God is our portion

Many people believe that Jesus suffered and we don’t have to; that He paid the price so that we could live an abundantly prosperous life. But when Jesus was on the cross He said “If men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Lk 23:31) Jesus was telling the on-lookers that their lives would also have a cross to bear.


It is plain from Jesus’ parables that a believer’s walk will have hardship and servitude. When we serve the Lord with all our hearts, it does not move us into a place of entitlement (Lk 17:10). If we want equal footing with God, we will have to serve another god.

In the wilderness satan tempted Jesus with all the world had to offer Him, in exchange for serving him, satan. He has blinded the eyes of the worldly with promises of prosperity and ease, entitlement and position. Though our brothers and sisters of faith are persecuted in other countries, we do not worry about our lives in America. It becomes easier and easier to believe that we can “have it all.”

In my previous entry on Sea of Glass I posted a prophecy wherein the Lord made reference to 2 Chronicles 16:9; “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen (show Himself mighty to) those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” Prosperity and position are a sifter, letting go of those who would serve the Lord despite the circumstances of their lives, and holding onto those who seek only after what the Lord has to give them. Prosperity and position test the true commitment of a believer’s heart.

King David “almost slipped” when he “envied the arrogant, when (he) saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to Man; they are not plagued by human ills.” (Ps 73:2-5). What David came to realize was that it was the prosperous who were on slippery ground (vs 18), and they were placed there by God. He then made true commitment to God, saying, “God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” (vs 26).

We will need God’s strength in our lives to face the trials, hardships, and temptations which come our way. We will only have that strength if we commit our lives to God despite the impact His ways have on our bank account, the ease with which we live our lives, or our reputations amongst men. Let us overcome all that hinders us in becoming sons and daughters of glory, knowing God’s portion is coupled with His mighty presence within our hearts. Amen.