Financial Testimonies III The Open Windows of Heaven

Transactional Relationship  August 18, 2022

Today, I was praying about provision, specifically in the area of employment. I was also reflecting on something I heard in church last night that I didn’t agree with. Let me start with that first.

Last night, one of the leaders talked about prayer and a transactional relationship. He was almost discouraging us from asking God for things. He said that any relationship based on transactions isn’t good. He alluded to a marriage relationship that was based solely on what you were looking to get from your partner and what you wanted your partner to do for you. On the surface, what he said made sense. However, if a relationship is solidly based on love, a part of that love involves communicating your desires, needs, dreams, and so on. If love, honor, and respect are present in our relationships, including our relationship with God, then it is more than okay to ask for the things we need and want.

God is the greatest giver in the universe! He gave His only begotten Son! He sent us the Holy Spirit! The Bible says He wants to give us good things, the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). The Bible says that we are “evil” compared to God. The following verse implies that our ideas about how to give good gifts are small, diminished, and hindered by our “evil nature.” Further, it implies that because God isn’t “evil,” He gives “good things” and “much more” than we ever could. The key is that we have to ask for them!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Matthew 7:11-12

Back to my prayers for employment. The Holy Spirit reminded me of some Scriptures that He had brought to my attention that I hadn’t taken the time to look up. I’m glad I followed His leading today.

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.”

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NIV)

The Scriptures above say that it is “good” to find satisfaction in our work. It says that God gives us the ability to be “happy” in our work. In fact, the Scripture calls the ability to be happy in our work a “gift” from God. Further, it states that God can give us so much happiness in our work that we forget about other aspects of our life because God has kept us “occupied with gladness of heart.”

I love that Scripture calls work “toilsome labor.” It is still work as opposed to play, lol, but the gift of God is that we can be happy while doing it. I believe it would be wrong to see a “gift” that God has made available to us (happiness and gladness of heart in our work) and not ask for it or receive it.

Perhaps you are having a hard time receiving the idea that God is so good that He can give you work that you enjoy. Perhaps that is because you haven’t experienced much enjoyment at work. Perhaps you have never asked God for this gift. Your “work” may not be a “job” at all. It may be your own business, the pursuit of a dream, such as becoming an author or working in ministry. Maybe God is calling you home to do the very honorable and noble work of raising your children.

The point is that God can “give” you the gift of “gladness of heart” in your work, whatever it is. Are you willing to ask Him for that? Are you willing to move to a new area of employment or pursue a different position within your current company if God leads? Something to reflect on.

Now let me really challenge your faith. That same verse says, “God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them.” I’m believing God to be one of the “someones” God gives wealth and possessions and the ability to enjoy them.”

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

Proverbs 10:22

I believe that part of my receiving wealth and possessions is connected to the work that God is leading me to do. I believe that with my whole heart. So today, I thanked God for the two Off-Broadway shows and one co-star TV appearance I have done in the last two years, and the national tour I was on that ended because of the pandemic. But I also prayed for new opportunities. Things in front of me now that I would enjoy and that would also increase my financial stability.

This is not a transactional relationship. This is receiving the promises of God. Just as the Holy Spirit leads me to intercede for others and give to others, I believe He also leads me to pray for the things that I need and the gifts, the good things that God so eagerly wants to give me.

Glory to God! I receive good jobs! Good work! Things that I enjoy! Good ideas for books, songs, and movies. I receive the ability to have wealth and financial stability while doing these things, and the ability to enjoy them! In Jesus’ name! Amen.