3 John 2 “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” This passage has been so abuse by “faith” preachers that I haven’t really taken it seriously. John is giving the ideal. We all know that God wants our souls to prosper. Here John is saying in a general sense that our health and financial status are to also prosper. This doesn’t sound right. Throughout the centuries, churches have focused on poverty as the holiest of states. Some have taken vows of poverty. They think favors that state. Their reasoning is Jesus was homeless and without means during His ministry. Also, Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had and give it to the poor, then follow Him. People seem to want to emulate that. However, today’s passage says that the general ideal state is for our health, our rinancial status and the health of our souls should all three be prospering. What about God’s use of suffering and low times? God will use sickness and financial low times to teach trust and other lessons. Paul had the thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7 says, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me– to keep me from exalting myself.” Paul was so highly gifted, that it was necessary that he have a health issue to keep him humble. He will also use low states in our lives for His purposes. However, a buoy gets bounced around, but always comes back to the surface. So also may we wrestle with low states, yet we return to spiritual, physical and financial health. Are we all supposed to be rich? No. Matthew 25:14a says, “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability;” It says that each received according to his ability. God blesses some with wealth. Yet, it’s because they can be trusted to use that to further the kingdom. Riches can ruin many. The examples from the lottery prove that. He gives us what we can handle. We will certainly have enough. I would say we are all to be prosperous according to our own ability. A symbol of blessing in the Old Testament was riches. All of the patriarchs were wealthy. It’s repeat with examples. This doesn’t mean a rich person is blessed. They may have gotten by bad means. Either by questionable ways or at the sacrifice of their families. For a particular person, riches could be the worst thing for them.god will bless us financially as best fits us and His kingdom. We need to be grateful for our lot. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “but godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be there with content.” We are to be grateful in the lean or green times. Lord, thank You for Your providence. Thank You for all of the great things You teach us in all seasons.