The Source of Prosperity

Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times to teach us to obey Him or to see what is really in our heart. During these trying times we remember God and call out to Him for guidance and strength. But often, God blesses us so much, and we do not even realize it. We do not remember or acknowledge that all good things come from our Father in Heaven.
As Vietnamese people here in America, God has blessed us to be able to live in a free country. We have the opportunity to have a proper education, receive a degree, have a good job, purchase a car, and have a home we can call our own. Many Vietnamese are doing quite well in this country.
In history, God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt, through a desolate wilderness, and into Canaan, a promised land of freedom and abundant resources. Through it all, God always provided enough food, clothing, shelter and protection for them. In times of hardship the people cried out to their Lord for deliverance and God always heard and answered their prayers. When they entered Canaan, and had plenty of food and luxuries, and soon acquired houses, lands, cattle and other possessions, the people soon forgot about God and His goodness towards them.
The problem arises when people attribute success to their own achievements and work. The Bible gives a warning about forgetting God, the source of all prosperity and blessings, and not following His ways and commandments. “All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping His commandments, and His judgements, and His statutes, which I command thee this day. And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deut. 8: 1, 11, 17, 18).
God indeed has blessed us with so much. Let us not forget His mercy and goodness.
Ly Lan Nguyen