Faith at Work: A Plan for Business LeadersSample

For When It’s Tough Going….

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was overjoyed when brothers came and testified to your truth, that is how you are walking in truth” (3 John 12:3).

In these verses from the Bible's shortest book, John is writing to Gaius. He prays that his prosperity and health will match the health of his faith. John knows the state of Gaius’ faith through the testimony of others - who are reporting to John how he is going on in the Lord.

The state of his faith underlies the state of both his wealth and his health. Prosperity is not just about financial success - it means thriving in all aspects of life. Many of the most prosperous people (in all senses of the word) have a strong, constant faith, and we know that because we see it in action.

In times of trouble, it is easy to neglect your walk with God, overwhelmed by the burdens of daily life; of just getting by. Be encouraged by John that this is the very time that you need to double down and rely on the truths of a Risen Saviour who has rescued us from far worse troubles than these.

Micah, writing in Micah 6:8 gives us a clue about what walking in truth is about when he writes, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”

This is a prescription so that we can get through difficult times and return to being prosperous. Be true to your Christian principles in all that you do, especially when taking some form of shortcut would be easier. Repay kindness with kindness and walk humbly with your God, being devoted to reading His Word, praying, and spending time with other Christians.

Be encouraged by the well-known words in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”