[tv1a]

You bring up a point that most christians miss with the prosperity doctrine. Paul says to be content no matter what state we are in. That doesn't mean we accept our lot in lives as to be in that situation forever. That means we are content at that level and are working to get the next level where God wants us. I am content at the level I'm current at but there is no way I'm staying at this level. God has promised too much for me to be at this level much longer.

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I guess I'm a little hard on the prosperity doctrine for obvious reasons.

The Lord woke me up in the middle of the night, some years ago, and told me to quit my job. I had an excellent sales job. $1,200 per month, $500 car allowance and 50% commission. I cut Him off in prayer a few times before that. Stone cold, cut it off!

Well, the whole bottom fell out for us for a number of years after I finally obeyed. We went through more church trials - Lord - and it isn't fun when you are having financial trouble too!

We gave in offerings, tithed and struggled. Sometimes it just seemed so unfair. But on my knees I was righted again!

We are not in that financial situation anymore, but it was very hard. I felt very stupid and poor having had such a nice job and home. I suppose it was a pride issue to boot.

Anyway, when I hear "prosperity doctrine" it just doesn't seem to reach out and balance the whole out. It seems to speak of financial blessing as a certainty, when I know good and well it doesn't always go that way. You can give and give and suffer and suffer and none of it makes any sense, at times.

I believe every child of God, like Joseph, will prosper in areas, but the prosperity doctrine, IMO, only embraces the guaranteed financial blessing and that is what I am against.

I was paying bills yesterday and thinking of the times when I couldn't pay them all with one check. God has been good. I learned BOTH how to be abased and how to abound.....