‘BEING SPIRITUAL DOESN’T MEAN STRUGGLE’

© Opeyemi Akintunde
As Inspired by The LIVING WORD

I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

During a youth retreat, I sat beside Debo, a passionate believer, humble, devoted, and deeply spiritual. But one thing stood out: Debo lived in undeniable lack. His clothes were worn, his shoes barely holding up, and he often joked about “suffering for Christ.”

But that day, his joke didn’t sit well with me.

“Debo,” I asked gently, “do you think poverty is a sign of holiness?”

He chuckled, “Well, the love of money is the root of evil. And besides, godliness with contentment is great gain. I’m content with my life.”

I nodded, then paused. “Do you have a Bible?” I asked.

“Yes, always.”

“Can you check 3 John 1:2 for me?”

He quoted it confidently: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

“But,” he added quickly, “that’s not about money. It’s about spiritual wellness.”

“Okay,” I said, smiling. “Now flip to Psalm 35:27.”

He read it aloud slowly: “Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.”

He paused.

I leaned closer. “Debo, God does not equate righteousness with lack. Our Father is not just the God of holiness; He is also the Owner of silver and gold. Why then should His children live like spiritual beggars?”

He didn’t respond immediately. He just kept staring at the verse—eyes wide, spirit awakened.

That conversation was over a decade ago.

Today, I met Debo at a Christian leadership summit. Dressed in a clean-cut suit, exuding confidence and grace, he was unrecognizable from the Debo of years past.

“Thank you,” he said with emotion in his voice. “That one scripture, Psalm 35:27 broke something off my mind. I realized that God delights in my wholeness, not just my holiness. And that it’s not pride to live prosperously, it’s representation.”

Friend, God does not desire for you to be spiritually sound but financially stranded. Holiness and prosperity are not enemies. You can walk in purity and abundance.

Don’t wear poverty like a badge of righteousness.

Ask Him: “Lord, bless me indeed. Prosper me as my soul prospers.”

📖 Psalm 35:27 – “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

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✍️ DEEP THOUGHTS DEVOTIONALS
Inspired by the TRUTH REVEALER
Written by Opeyemi Akintunde
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