GOD EMPOWERS US TO PROSPER
(God uses what you possess)
Main Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:18 “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to acquire wealth, in order to confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
God is the source of our ability to prosper.
1. GOD GIVES US THE POWER TO CREATE WEALTH
Deuteronomy 8:18 says God gives us the power to acquire wealth.
God can put something inside us that becomes a source of provision—an ability, talent, skill, idea, business concept, profession, or creative gift.
Exodus 31:3-5 shows that God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and craftsmanship.
We should not despise the abilities God has placed within us.
What is already in our hands may be connected to what we are praying for.
Moses was asked, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). God used what Moses already possessed.
2. GOD GIVES US WISDOM TO ACQUIRE WEALTH
Wealth requires wisdom. Proverbs 24:3-4 says: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
James 1:5 tells us to ask God for wisdom. Therefore, we should pray not only for provision but also for the wisdom to create and manage provision.
3. GOD GIVES US IDEAS THAT CAN BECOME SOURCES OF WEALTH
Many resources begin with an idea. God can give us an idea that solves a problem, serves people, creates employment, improves a service, or produces something valuable.
Deuteronomy 28:8 says: “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all the work of your hands.” God can bless the work of our hands.
Sometimes the answer to our financial prayer is hidden inside an idea God has already placed in our minds.
4. GOD GIVES US STRENGTH TO WORK AND PRODUCE
The power to acquire wealth also involves the ability and strength to work.
Proverbs 14:23 says: “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Prayer is important, but prayer does not replace responsible action. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
We must reject laziness, procrastination, fear, and excuses.
We can pray for open doors, but we must also prepare ourselves to walk through those doors.
5. GOD GIVES US FAVOR AND OPPORTUNITIES
Sometimes wealth-producing opportunities come through relationships, connections, contracts, employment, customers, partnerships, or unexpected doors.
Psalm 5:12 says: “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.”
We should ask God for divine favor and discernment. But we must also understand that not every opportunity is from God.
We need wisdom to distinguish between a genuine opportunity and a trap.
We should never compromise our integrity, faith, or biblical principles merely to make money.
6. GOD EXPECTS US TO DEVELOP WHAT HE GIVES US
God gives us potential, but potential must be developed.
Jesus' Parable of the Talents teaches us that what God entrusts to us should not be buried but put to productive use (Matthew 25:14-30).
We cannot expect increase while refusing to develop what God has already placed in our hands.
7. GOD GIVES US WEALTH FOR A PURPOSE
Deuteronomy 8:18 gives an important reason for the power to acquire wealth: “To confirm His covenant.”
Our pursuit of wealth must therefore have a higher purpose than personal enjoyment.
2 Corinthians 9:8 teaches that God gives us sufficiency so that we can abound in every good work.
We should not merely ask, “How much can we get?” We should ask, “How much good can God accomplish through what He puts in our hands?”
8. WE MUST REMEMBER GOD WHEN WE PROSPER
The first words of Deuteronomy 8:18 are: “But remember the Lord your God...”
Prosperity can become dangerous when it makes us forget the One who gave us the ability to prosper.
Deuteronomy 8:17 warns: “You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’”
The blessing should never become more important to us than the Blesser.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
