PROSPERING IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP

Title: PROSPERING IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 26:12-14 - "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy." 

INTRODUCTION 

Hardship is an inevitable part of life, but as believers, we are not called to be victims of circumstances. Instead, we are called to thrive and prosper even in difficult times. The Bible is filled with stories of God's people prospering in the midst of hardship, showing us that it is possible to experience abundance, growth, and breakthrough, regardless of our circumstances. In Genesis 26, Isaac prospered in a time of famine because of God’s blessing upon his life. This sermon explores the principles that can help us prosper in the midst of hardship, just like Isaac and many others did in the Bible. 

1. GOD’S COVENANT OF PROSPERITY

**a) The Blessing of Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, Galatians 3:29)** 
God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and make him a great nation. As believers, we are heirs to this covenant through faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we have access to the same blessing that caused Isaac to prosper in the midst of famine. 

b) Divine Favour in Hardship (Genesis 26:12-14)
Isaac sowed in a land of famine, and God blessed him with a hundredfold harvest. His prosperity was not dependent on the environment but on God's favour. When God is with you, even in the midst of hardship, you will prosper. 

c) God’s Unchanging Nature (Malachi 3:6)
God's promises are sure, and His nature does not change. The same God who prospered Isaac in famine and Joseph in prison is still able to cause us to prosper in our times of hardship. 

2. KEYS TO PROSPERING IN HARDSHIP

a) Obedience to God’s Instructions (Genesis 26:1-5) 
When there was famine in the land, Isaac considered going down to Egypt, but God instructed him to stay in Gerar. Isaac obeyed God, and his obedience positioned him for prosperity. In times of hardship, it is crucial to seek God’s direction and obey His instructions. 

b) Diligence and Hard Work (Proverbs 10:4; Genesis 26:12)
Isaac didn’t just sit back; he sowed in the land despite the famine. Diligence and hard work, coupled with God’s blessing, result in prosperity. Even in challenging times, we must continue to work hard and trust God for His increase. 

c) Faith in God’s Provision (Philippians 4:19)
Isaac’s story is a testament to having faith in God's provision. Even in famine, God provided more than enough. We must believe that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, even in difficult seasons. 

3. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF PROSPERING IN HARDSHIP 

a) Joseph: Prosperity in Adversity (Genesis 39:2-4, 41:41-43) 
Joseph prospered as a slave in Potiphar’s house, and later as a prisoner, because God was with him. His faithfulness and integrity led to his elevation to the second-in-command in Egypt. 

b) The Widow of Zarephath: Provision in Famine (1 Kings 17:8-16)
During a severe famine, God provided for the widow and her son through the prophet Elijah. Her willingness to obey God's word and act in faith resulted in miraculous provision. 

c) Daniel: Promotion in Captivity (Daniel 6:1-3, 28) 
Even in captivity, Daniel remained faithful to God, and God caused him to prosper. He was promoted to a high position in the Babylonian and Persian empires because of his excellence and devotion to God. 

4. THE MANIFESTATION OF PROSPERITY IN HARDSHIP

a) Supernatural Increase (2 Kings 4:1-7)
Elisha and the widow's story demonstrates that God can cause a supernatural increase even when all seems lost. When we trust God and obey His instructions, He can multiply what we have. 

b) Divine Protection and Preservation (Psalm 91:7-10) 
In times of hardship, God’s prosperity is not limited to financial blessings but also includes divine protection and preservation. God can keep us safe and provide for us in times of trouble. 

c) Favour with God and Man (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Prosperity in hardship often manifests as favour. Just as Joseph and Daniel found favour in foreign lands, God can cause us to find favour wherever we are, opening doors of opportunity even in difficult times. 

5. MAINTAINING PROSPERITY IN HARDSHIP

a) Stay Anchored in God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)
The Word of God is our guide and source of strength. Meditating on and applying God’s Word ensures that we stay on the path to prosperity even in tough times. 

b) Maintain a Grateful Heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
Gratitude attracts more blessings. Even in hardship, maintain a heart of gratitude, recognizing that God is still in control and is working things out for your good. 

c) Continue to Trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6) 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Trust is crucial to experiencing God's provision and prosperity in hardship. 

CONCLUSION
God’s desire is for His children to prosper, even in the midst of hardship. Like Isaac, Joseph, and others in the Bible, we can experience God's supernatural provision and blessings regardless of the circumstances. The keys to prospering in hardship include obedience to God, diligence, faith, and maintaining a positive attitude. As you put these principles into practice, may you prosper beyond measure, even in the most challenging times. 

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, help me to obey Your instructions, even when it is difficult." 
2. "Father, grant me the strength to work diligently and trust in Your provision." 
3. "O God, open doors of favour for me in the midst of every hardship." 
4. "Lord, increase my faith to believe in supernatural provision." 
5. "Father, protect and preserve me and my family during these difficult times." 
6. "O God, give me the grace to remain grateful, even in the face of challenges." 
7. "Lord, help me to stay anchored in Your Word and promises." 
8. "Father, let Your blessing rest upon my work and multiply my efforts." 
9. "O God, remove every barrier to my prosperity in this season." 
10. "Lord, may Your divine favour surround me like a shield and open new opportunities for me." 

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that I will prosper even in the midst of hardship. 
2. I declare that my steps are ordered by the Lord, and I will walk in obedience. 
3. I declare that supernatural provision is my portion in Jesus' name. 
4. I declare that I will experience divine favour wherever I go. 
5. I declare that no famine or hardship will hinder my progress. 
6. I declare that God's blessing will cause me to reap a hundredfold in every area of my life. 
7. I declare that I am protected and preserved by the hand of God. 
8. I declare that I will remain grateful and trust God in every season. 
9. I declare that every obstacle to my prosperity is removed by God's power. 
10. I declare that I am a testimony of God's faithfulness, even in difficult times.