Watchword for the Month
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” – 3 John 1:2
The apostle John sent greetings to a faithful servant of Christ named Gaius. His wish is for Gaius’ outward prosperity to correspond to the condition of his soul.
Gauis: Verses 2-6 demonstrate that he(Gaius) was an outstanding man in his church. He was a divinely loved person. He occupied a position of
responsibility and leadership in the local church. He also enjoys a close personal relationship as a Christian friend of the author(John). Gaius was a man of God’s Word because he “walked in truth” (v. 4). The truth was “in him” and he walked in obedience to God’s will. Gaius meditated on God’s Word and allowed it to live “in him.” Gaius’ ministry honored God (vv. 5-8). He helped God’s servants who ministered the Word in practical ways. He opened his heart and home to the apostle and those who faithfully preached and taught the Scriptures. (We need more Gaius’ in our churches…….don’t you think so?)
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).
Dear brothers and sisters, we see that the author of this epistle, prays in a strong earnest desire for the prosperity of Gaius in all respects. He includes a petition for Gaius’ personal health. John prays that Gaius will “prosper,” literally it means “to have a good, successful journey.” The idea includes success in all his plans/endeavours, business, happiness in personal relationships, and prosperity in his transaction as a Christian. Yes, John prays that God will prosper his friend Gaius in every area of his life and ministry even as he is spiritually prosperous.
You know, …in many ways, this is the most wholesome prayer we can say for ourselves and for others, a prayer to succeed in all we do. That’s what John was praying about. What a wonderful prayer to say every day.
Dear brothers and sisters we must say a prayer for good health so that we can live the life God designed for us in order to appreciate every moment. If we have our health intact, we should wake up each day saying a word of thanks to God. And if someone is going through a tough health situation right now, I would encourage you to keep asking God for His strength and healing, and continue to live each day with courage, knowing that God will never leave nor forsake you. Even if we don’t understand why we’re going through this, take courage in the fact that God has you in the palm of His hands, and He will never forget His own children.
But remember, when it’s all is said and done, health and wealth don’t compare to having a relationship with God. After all, we are spirit beings. While we are alive and do the best we can to have a healthy and prosperous existence, in the end, we will all die, leaving this present world. This prayer is focused on helping us realize the most important part of our life is our relationship with God. John prays here that we continue to grow and prosper in our love and relationship with God, our heavenly Father, so when the end of our time on earth comes, we can have hope in eternity as we’ll finally be with our God.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, dear listener, The prayer of 3 John 1:2 is one that touches our spirit, soul, and body—the three areas that need to function well if we are to have a good life. Let us say this prayer daily, and teach our children to do the same. Like John, let us extend the love of God to others around us by saying a word of prayer that touches every aspect of their lives in a way that can completely transform them. And this is my sincere prayer for you……’May the Lord’s richest blessings be yours as you serve Him with all your heart. May you prosper personally even as your soul prospers, may you have a good and successful, life’s journey. Amen
Prayer:
Dear God, You are my provider! You are the source of all blessings! I am indeed very grateful to you for all your blessings in my life, therefore I commit my whole life into your loving hands. Father, I am totally depending and counting on you for my prosperity. Help me to be diligent in everything I do so that your blessings can rest on me. Lord, I pray that my fellow brothers and sisters/neighbours succeed in every way, that they have good health, and that their souls prosper in their relationship with You. Amen.”
Sr A Ruiters