I’m Praying for You!
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| by Reverend Alphonso McGlenn |
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (John 3:2 New King James Version)
Maybe you’ve experienced this:
You run into a “saint,” and proceed to ask them how they are doing. Being saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, and fire baptized, they confidently respond, “My soul is satisfied.” Perhaps you have listened to believers who testify: “I’m blessed and highly favored,” “I’m too blessed to be stressed,” “I’ve got heaven in my view.” Praise the Lord!
The
soul of every believer should be so strong. However, what about the
rest of your life? Are your body, mind, money, relationships, and
career doing as well as your soul? How are you really doing-totally?
The writer of
the third epistle of John thought enough of his friend Gaius to pray
that he would prosper in all things, be in good health, and also
flourish in his soul. Caring for our spiritual development is vital.
However, concern for the other parts of our being keep us true to the
commandment Christ gives in the gospels to love the Lord with all our
heart, soul, strength, and mind. Knowing the truth about the quality of
life, God desires for us will liberate us to make the apostle’s prayer
our reality.
Prosperity
Synonymous with
wealth, success, and affluence, prosperity speaks to living life in
large quantities. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and
that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 King James
Version).
Intangible attributes such as love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance –
are afforded to every believer in unlimited supply. Tangible blessings
are also a part of God’s covenant with His children. “But thou shalt
remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get
wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy
fathers, as it is this day. (Deutronomy 8:18 King James Version).
Living beneath
the means that Jeho’vah Ji’reh intends for His people is an unhealthy
posture. Christians have the right and responsibility to enjoy highest
values and valuables afforded to citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Health
Our physical
well-being is near the heart of God. The Apostle Paul admonishes that
our Lord is looking for our lively and acceptable sacrifice. We owe it
to God to take care of these bodies. Take greater control of the
internal and external factors that affect your physical and emotional
health.
As followers of
Christ, we must give prayerful consideration concerning the things we
ingest or inhale. How are the people, places and things in your life
affecting your health? With the exception of those things that God
allows to afflict us (and His sovereign purpose for it), we are bound
to do right with our bodies. Paul expresses it clearly, “But I keep
under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means,
when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”(1
Corinthians 9:27 King James Version).
Yes, we’re going
to die from something, but why accelerate the inevitable? Of course
there are infirmities that we have no control over, but you do have
authority over many other afflictions. The Holy Spirit is able to
deliver us from even the self-inflicted frailties. Are we willing to do
what is necessary to be made whole?
The soul fairs
so much better when the rest of our life lines up with the will of God.
Our soul shouts best when our health and wealth are managed in
accordance with the biblical precepts and principles. It’s easier said
than done, but it must be done. God’s name, your life, and the
Kingdom’s witness will have a greater impact on the world as our life
reflects total well-being.
I’m praying for you.
God bless you,
Reverend Alphonso McGlenn
