Devotion: The Power of the Blessing
Scripture:
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
— Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
Personal Reflection:
As I meditate on the first words God spoke to mankind, I am struck by their weight and intentionality. God’s initial interaction with Adam and Eve was not to explain theology, argue philosophy, or even instruct them in doctrine. Instead, He pronounced a blessing. This was no casual word—it was a divine endowment of power: power to be fruitful, to multiply, to subdue, and to exercise dominion under God's authority.
So often, in Christian circles, the word prosperity is met with caution—and sometimes rightly so. Many have twisted it into something self-serving, detached from God's intent. But when we return to the text, we see that prosperity is first and foremost God's idea. In the Hebrew language, as the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testamenthelps us understand, this blessing (Hebrew: barak) means to be empowered for success, creative fruitfulness (fecundity), longevity, and yes—material provision, though not for selfish indulgence, but for the care of others.
As I ponder this, I am convicted that my circumstances do not always reflect what God has declared over me. I may not feel fruitful. I may not see outward signs of success. Yet faith does not rest in what is seen. It rests in what is spoken by God.
Contemplation:
Have I truly embraced the fact that in Christ, I am blessed? Not with a worldly sense of prosperity, but with a divine empowerment to succeed in my God-given assignments?
When God says I am blessed, do I argue with my feelings or circumstances—or do I agree with His Word?
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This blessing is my true inheritance. Whether in abundance or in lack, I am blessed because God's empowering favor rests upon me.
Today’s Confession:
"I am blessed. I have been empowered to prosper."
Throughout today, I will speak this not because of what I see, but because of what God has declared.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your first words over mankind—a blessing that still echoes through the ages. Forgive me for the times I have doubted Your Word because of my circumstances. Teach me to see prosperity as You see it: not as mere accumulation of wealth, but as an empowerment to fulfill Your purposes on earth. Let every resource You entrust to me be used to glorify You and to bless others, especially the poor and needy. May my life be a testimony of Your abundant grace and faithful provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
