The blessings of obedience
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:7-9 NLT
When a follower of God decides to trust God and His promises it does not mean that there is nothing else to be done. They have the responsibility to obey God and His command. When one does obey, God promised success and prosperity. Success and prosperity are almost never used in the Old Testament to refer to financial achievement. King Solomon commented about the ruler engaging in partying thinking that money is the answer to everything: “What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant, the land whose leaders feast in the morning... A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!” (Ecclesiastes 10:16, 19). Then, he made this conclusion on what should matter in life: “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Isaiah emphasized what God provides those who listen and obey Him: “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life” (Isaiah 55:2-3). Life and its purpose are found when we are obedient to God. Our pursuit should not be material prosperity but loving God with all our being. “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). This is also the message of our Lord Jesus Christ: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money... Seek the Kingdom of God[e] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:24, 33). In the life of a believer, success should not be measured by the world’s standard. If your focus is material prosperity, you might obtain it but live to regret it. What should matter in the life of a child of God is the wholehearted obedience to the Father who is the Creator of everything.
Blessings,
