Dream to DestinySample

Day 4: The Prosperity Test

As we discovered in the previous day, power will test your character. But so will money. Money is just another form of power. Money can give us the power to do certain things or meet certain needs, and in the same way, the lack of money can hinder us from doing certain things.

So we must ask ourselves, What do we do with the power that money brings us? Do we use it as God would have us use it—to further His purposes for our lives and the lives of others? Or do we squander it in foolish ways?

This is the Prosperity Test. Every one of us has taken this test, and we will continue to take it as long as we’re living.

In Genesis 41:1–8, God showed Pharaoh two dreams. God had a purpose in showing him those dreams—a purpose of blessing, provision, and deliverance from starvation! God knew seven years of famine were coming, and He wanted to ensure people didn’t starve. But He needed someone whom He could trust to carry out His plan. Joseph was that person. He understood God’s principles about managing finances.

When asked what to do, Joseph had a plan. That plan involved saving specific amounts of grain each year—one-fifth (20 percent) to be exact. This plan was so good that Joseph not only fed Egypt and his family, but other nations came to Egypt to buy food, and Joseph extended Egypt’s empire by trading land in exchange for life-saving grain.

God’s plan would have failed in the hands of someone who didn’t know how to manage money wisely or put Him first in their decisions. He couldn’t choose someone with a pattern of unrestrained spending who didn’t know how to save for the future. If He had chosen someone like that, the grain would have been depleted before the famine arrived! God looked for someone who was a good steward, someone who knew how to manage material things according to His principles. The Prosperity Test was a huge part of Joseph’s destiny.

The Prosperity Test is a huge part of your destiny as well. Until you are found faithful with money, you cannot step into your destiny to the full extent God desires. Why? Because God’s plans for you will always involve bringing His blessings and provision to others.

You might be saying to yourself, I never have any money. How could I be taking the Prosperity Test? The truth is that everyone has financial resources to manage. Every person will be tested by money, whether they have a little or a lot. When you have been found faithful in handling money, God will use you as a channel to distribute His wealth and resources to a hurting and destitute world.