by Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel

“Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:7, 8

For many years even as a pastor, I was deceived by the devil. He lied to me that financial blessings are not for Christians and that being poor is humility. As such I found contentment in doing without. I even preached these lies from the pulpit; that wealth is not important. For several years, I couldn’t confidently go to God in prayers because I saw myself as a sinner. I was always trying so hard to become perfect, sanctified and sinless so that I can be accepted by God. But I never met the sinless perfection standard. I believed God would not listen to me. So, I sought those I believe were sinless to go to God for me; my Pastor.

Then one day God asked if I wanted His children to proper and I said, “yes”, then He said, “but you have been telling my own children that I their God does not want them not to prosper”. Beware of the lies of the enemy and wrong doctrines that can sway you from the truths in God’s word. For years I showed up for every meeting in the same blue suit, even to wedding ceremonies because I didn’t want the world’s goods. Through His word God opened my eyes to see how He desires to financially bless us. He wants you to prosper. He is grieved when He sees His creatures languish in poverty. Jesus has suffered for you; He became poor for us so that we can be rich. What does it mean to be rich in this context? Does it mean to be a millionaire? Not necessarily. It means to be fully supplied for that is all your needs are met by the Lord. He paid for it all so that you will enjoy what He did for you.

Through Jesus, God has blessed us. The blessings are already in you so don’t stress yourself. It doesn’t matter how hard you try; the blessing of God doesn’t come by your effort. Just as you can never be righteous by your own ability, you will only flourish by the power of the Spirit.

Jesus has broken the curses of poverty and toiling upon your life. 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” For our benefit, He became poor, so we can inherit His riches. He was also forsaken so we can take His place. Don’t buy the lies of the devil. Jesus Christ is the answer. The blood of Jesus has given us access to enter the most holy place. We are blessed with the same blessing Abraham had. (See Gen. 13:1-2) In Gen. 25:8, we are told of the death of Abraham. He died an old man, wealthy, healthy, and accomplished.

The first condition for prosperity is accepting Jesus as Lord and personal savior. The second is by working hard. The Apostle advised that those who do not work should not eat. Working is important. You cannot be lazy and hope things will fall in your favor. The third is that your purpose for desiring wealth must align with God’s will and purpose.

Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel is the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of the Living Word Church, New Jersey.