Blessed or prosperous life ?

Blessed or Prosperous life

"You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that's a picture of the "prosperous life." At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing. (Jas.1.11 MSB)

I have often wondered what the Bible meant when it speaks of good success in the  book of Joshua:1:8

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Josh.1.8)

Here it speaks of being prosperous and having good success. 

Our text paints a picture of a life that is prosperous. It says it is now and it's not in a short while. It describes it as a flower that withers and a petal that wilts at the instance of the scourging sun. In this verse, it contrasts a prosperous life with that of a blessed life.

So one wonders why we are so in a rush to prosper. When we should be aiming for a blessed life.

The next verse describes a blessed life. It says he stands under trial and stands up to temptation. 

"Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor 's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. (Jas.1.12 AMP)

The picture of Joseph in Portiphar's house comes to mind. We are told that he stood up to the tempter and was thrown in prison but God was with him. That is a picture of a blessed man. And because he was blessed, he prospered and became a blessing to others. 

Are you blessed or are you just prosperous? You can be prosperous and not blessed but you cannot be blessed without being prosperous. Be a blessed man...

Good day, 
Have a great day today, 
EmmA (aka Mr. Lift) 
@Liftemma

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