When we ask for improved circumstances or material prosperity, we tend to think we are asking to be placed on a finish line. But like Israel when they departed Egypt, the reality is we are asking to be tested. To see if we will humble ourselves and be excellent stewards. 

The Biblical perspective about material wealth is that it is a tool, a resource, an opportunity to serve. It is God entrusting us with a responsibility. Money is power to accomplish. God wants us to use that power to act as stewards, and accomplish His will. When we acquire material wealth, it is an opportunity to serve. We are often confused because we do not know what we are asking for.

The world tells us money is desirable to fuel an endless chase to indulge our appetites. We can purchase status to gain the approval of man. Our significance. The irony is that when we adopt the world’s perspective and say “I did this”, it leads to enslavement. Money becomes our master. Proving and validating ourselves becomes a black hole, one that no amount of money can fill. Which steals away our ability to enjoy and use our money, causing us to hoard or waste it. The prodigal wanted to chase his appetites – his inherited money gave him the power to enslave himself to those appetites. 

If, instead, we remember it is the Lord who gave us the power to make wealth and honor Him with our use of money, it actually allows us to enjoy our finances and use it to serve others. 

God offers us unlimited spiritual wealth by giving us a path to acquire His wisdom. Only through spiritual wealth can we properly hope to steward physical wealth. We gain this through listening to Him. Through the experience of walking by faith. 

“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
– Deuteronomy 8:16-18