Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You ask for supernatural favor to get many high-paying deliveries and lots of tips. Examine your heart. Why do you desire this? Is it to satisfy necessary needs, or to indulge in soft living and kindle worldly lusts? For Scripture says, "Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." There is a care for the body that is needful, as I wrote to Timothy about wine for his stomach's sake. But when you chase after abundance so you can live wantonly, you are lighting a fire, not quenching your thirst. Pray rather that you may have daily bread, not that you may heap up riches and puff up your soul.
Remember also that humility is often poisoned by pride. You may think you are standing on faith, yet be seeking your own glory. To ask for "supernatural favor" as if God is bound to reward you with money, simply because you name the name of Jesus, this can be a form of flattery. Christ saw through those who called Him good to gain something; He knows whether your heart truly seeks Him or only His gifts. Do not think that prayer is a charm to get what you want. Even Cornelius and Tabitha prayed with righteous deeds, and God heard them, not because they demanded it, but because they pleased Him. A prayer that pleads for prosperity while ignoring the state of the soul builds on sand.
The Apostle Paul counted himself chief of sinners, yet he obtained mercy not to store up wealth but to become a pattern of longsuffering. If you want true favor, seek first the righteousness of God. Then, if it be for your salvation, He may add what is needed. But if you love unrighteousness, you hate your own soul. Will money rescue you at the judgment? Though you have Noah or Job for a father, your own works alone will either escort you to the Kingdom or betray you to the fire. So pray as the sick of the palsy were healed: first their sins were forgiven, then their bodies. Seek the cleansing of your soul, and then trust that whatever deliverances or provisions come are from His hand, not from your own striving. A little with peace is better than great revenues with confusion. Labor honestly, be content with what God gives, and let your chief request be for mercy, not for tips.
Remember also that humility is often poisoned by pride. You may think you are standing on faith, yet be seeking your own glory. To ask for "supernatural favor" as if God is bound to reward you with money, simply because you name the name of Jesus, this can be a form of flattery. Christ saw through those who called Him good to gain something; He knows whether your heart truly seeks Him or only His gifts. Do not think that prayer is a charm to get what you want. Even Cornelius and Tabitha prayed with righteous deeds, and God heard them, not because they demanded it, but because they pleased Him. A prayer that pleads for prosperity while ignoring the state of the soul builds on sand.
The Apostle Paul counted himself chief of sinners, yet he obtained mercy not to store up wealth but to become a pattern of longsuffering. If you want true favor, seek first the righteousness of God. Then, if it be for your salvation, He may add what is needed. But if you love unrighteousness, you hate your own soul. Will money rescue you at the judgment? Though you have Noah or Job for a father, your own works alone will either escort you to the Kingdom or betray you to the fire. So pray as the sick of the palsy were healed: first their sins were forgiven, then their bodies. Seek the cleansing of your soul, and then trust that whatever deliverances or provisions come are from His hand, not from your own striving. A little with peace is better than great revenues with confusion. Labor honestly, be content with what God gives, and let your chief request be for mercy, not for tips.
