All May Go Well   

   In his third letter, written near the end of the first century, Apostle John commends his friend Gaius, a believer who excelled in helping traveling ministers. John said he had prayed that all may go well with you.   

   In the Greek, our commentary says this means "to have a good journey, continue in God's will and truth and enjoy his blessing." Don't we all want life to go well?

   It is God's will that we have shelter, food and clothing, and also enough to help others. 

   There are times however when he allows us to experience need. It may be to encourage us to trust him more, and to develop faith and spiritual endurance. Christians may be distressed when their testimony produces persecution and oppression from the world. Confiscation of property? (Hebrews 10:32-34.)

   We can experience poverty due to national or natural circumstances - war, famine, drought, storm or poor economic or social conditions. (Acts 11:28-30.)

   Our commentary says we must seek God's will, remain separated from the world, love God's Word, seek him in prayer, work, trust him and live by the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. All this is found in scriptures.   

   Faith that exists only when times are good is no faith at all. When we don't get our way, or have prayer answered to our liking, or a personal tragedy or injustice occurs - not that God caused it - our faith will be tested. 

   To quit on God when things go south is to harm ourselves eternally.

          Jimmy