How Will God Bless? (1 Chronicles 21:1)

My company is experiencing a decrease in the volume of work in the month. While this may be a seasonal variation, the decrease is far greater than in previous years. After reviewing each client, it appears that the slowdown is affecting many physician offices. Short term, it means the office has time to catch up with paperwork and servicing existing accounts. Long term, it may mean downsizing.

As I prayed over this issue, I asked God to bless my company and continue to allow my company to grow. But after a few days of praying this request, God’s Holy Spirit reminded me of His important truth. How will God bless?

Sometimes I think the only way God will bless my life or my company is by allowing my company or life to prosper and grow. God certainly does bless and has blessed me by these means. But God could also bless by taking away work and slowing the growth. This blessing may give our company rest. It may allow me to refocus upon existing clients. Or it may be to remind me that my heart, like King David’s, is sinful and preoccupied with growth and numbers for my company, rather than working to establish the Kingdom of God through my company and occupation.

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.
1 Chronicles 21:1 (ESV)

In the latter part of his life, King David ordered a census of Israel. In that time in Israel, a census was only allowed to take inventory of one’s possessions. Only God could order a census of the nation Israel. When David ordered the census, God had not ordained it. Even David’s general, Joab, a man who would have every reason to be proud of the number of able-bodied men who could serve in his army, advised against it. But God was allowing Satan to tempt David, appealing to his pride, and David succumbed to his own sins. God later punished David for his actions.

My company is not mine. My life is not mine. All belongs to God. And God expects me to be a good steward of what He has given me, not to further my reputation, but to honor and glorify God.

I am still learning and by God’s grace and mercy, He is transforming into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.