The Beloved Disciple wrote in THE SPIRIT in 3 John:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, even as (in proportion as, in the degree that) your soul prospers.
In Hebrews chapter 4:
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
John tied health and the prosperity of the soul. The word prosperity is derived from the Greek word meaning: a course of conduct; a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding. In order to have and maintain health, we must follow a course of conduct and thinking conducive to health. Many people who have used and claimed the blessing of 3 John 2 over the years focused primarily on the first half: to prosper and be in health. However, the first half is tied to “even as” or “in proportion as, in the degree that”. This suggests that the first half is somewhat conditional on the second half and responds to the success of our soul prospering.
Faith comes by hearing, responding, and accepting The Word as being fully trustworthy and totally reliable. As our soul aligns itself in its course of conduct with The Word, we begin to prosper in the various areas of our life. The change may be slow at first but it will gain momentum over time. Let patience have its perfect work. Our soul will prosper as we follow The Way.
In John chapter 14, Jesus spoke:
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
In Acts chapter 9 before Paul was converted, he heard of “The Way” for it was well known:
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
It is apparent that those who were prospering in The Way had developed a reputation because of the good fruit they were producing. I trust that these daily writings are causing your soul to prosper at a greater level with the intent of encouraging full maturity in The Way. We must no longer be hearers only but mature into doers of The Word known as The Way. In Acts chapter 19, The Way caused great commotion among the people. Why? The power and authority of those who walked in The Way became well known and The Way was negatively affecting the businesses of the silversmiths who made money by providing their wares to those who worshipped the shrines of Diana. People began to see the Truth and Diana was no longer their idol. The Way will break down the idols of mankind once they are exposed to The Way.
Let us press in to walking in The Way and surely the power and authority will flow through us to those we come in contact so that Jesus Christ is glorified as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.