Video link: WHAT DOES A CURSED LIFE LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES A CURSED LIFE LOOK LIKE?
(Failure will not define us)
Galatians 3:13–14 declares that Christ redeemed us from the curse so that the blessing of Abraham might come to us through Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 28 describes the consequences of disobedience under the covenant of the Law. These passages can also help us recognize patterns of failure, loss, oppression, and lack of progress.
However, we must be careful: not every problem is a curse.
Sometimes problems come because of poor decisions, lack of knowledge, sin, circumstances, injustice, poor stewardship, or natural consequences.
Therefore, we should not blame every difficulty on a curse.
But when destructive patterns persist, we should examine our lives spiritually, seek God's wisdom, and pray for God's intervention.
1. A CURSED PERSON EXPERIENCES PERSISTENT LACK OF PROGRESS
Deuteronomy 28:16, 19 describes being cursed in the city and in the country, coming in and going out.
Moving from one place to another does not automatically solve the problem.
A change of location cannot replace a change of spiritual condition, wisdom, or direction.
Sometimes people change jobs, businesses, towns, or relationships but continue experiencing the same destructive patterns.
We need more than a change of environment. We need God's intervention and direction.
2. A CURSED PERSON LABORS WITHOUT SEEING PROPORTIONAL FRUIT
Deuteronomy 28:17 speaks of the basket and kneading trough being cursed.
The picture is of resources that should produce something, yet the expected benefit is missing.
We must ask: “Lord, what is hindering the fruit of our labor?”
3. A CURSED PERSON EXPERIENCES REPEATED FAILURE IN THEIR UNDERTAKINGS
Deuteronomy 28:18 speaks about the fruit of the body, land, livestock, and flocks.
The principle is that productive areas become unproductive.
There may be repeated patterns.
But we should not immediately conclude, “I am cursed.”
Instead, we should ask: “What is the root of this repeated pattern?”
We examine our choices, stewardship, relationships, obedience, spiritual life, and circumstances—and we bring everything before God.
4. A CURSED PERSON MAY LABOR BUT FAIL TO ENJOY THE FRUIT
Deuteronomy 28:30–34 gives examples of people working but not benefiting from their labor.
The principle is painful: They build, but someone else enjoys the result.
We need the grace of God to build, possess, preserve, and enjoy what God has entrusted to us.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us that the ability to enjoy the fruit of our labor is itself a gift from God.
5. A CURSED PERSON EXPERIENCES REPEATED LOSSES
Deuteronomy 28:38–40 describes sowing much but harvesting little.
When losses become a persistent pattern, we should stop and ask God for wisdom.
We must not merely pray, “Lord, give us more.”
Sometimes the prayer must be: “Lord, show us what is consuming what You have already given us.”
We need wisdom, discipline, stewardship, discernment, and spiritual authority.
6. A CURSED PERSON MAY SEE OTHERS RISING WHILE THEY KEEP GOING DOWN
Deuteronomy 28:43–44 says: “The stranger among you will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink lower and lower.”
This describes a reversal of position.
But as believers, we should not accept defeat as our permanent identity.
Our identity is in Christ—not in our failures!
7. A CURSED PERSON EXPERIENCES RESOURCES BEING CONSUMED WITHOUT ACCOMPLISHMENT
Deuteronomy 28:50–51 describes an enemy consuming the produce of the land.
This gives us a picture of devouring forces.
Sometimes money comes in, but emergencies immediately consume it.
This should cause us to pray for wisdom and protection over what God has entrusted to us.
But hear this: WE ARE NOT POWERLESS!
Christ has redeemed us. Galatians 3:13 does not say Christ might redeem us.
It says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse.”
Therefore, our response is not fear.
Our response is faith in Christ, obedience to God's Word, repentance where necessary, prayer, wisdom, and spiritual warfare.
DO NOT IGNORE PERSISTENT DESTRUCTIVE PATTERNS
Consider these questions:
1. Have words of rejection or destruction ever been spoken over us?
2. Have people in authority spoken destructive words over us?
3. Have people spoken destructive words against our families?
JESUS HAS THE FINAL WORD!
Because of Christ: We can rise again. We can walk in God's purpose.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
