Is it harder to be faithful to God in the midst of good times or bad times, blessings, or suffering? The answer to this question may vary for each individual, but it is a theme frequently addressed in Scripture. In Proverbs 30:8-9, we read, “...Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” 

Recently, in II Chronicles 26:3-4 I read these words, “Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty two years in Jerusalem… and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,” However, when we get to verses 15-16 of the same chapter, no doubt many years later, we read these sad words: “And his fame spread, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong. But when he was strong, he grew proud to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” A priest confronted Uzziah, but his arrogance was so great that he refused to listen to the priest. God struck him with leprosy, and he never recovered from the disease. 

What a sad way to end the life of a man who had been a great king. 

All of us ask God for more blessings in our lives, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but it is dangerous to refuse to be content with what God has given us. The children of Israel were not happy with the manna God was providing, so they demanded meat. Many of them died because God granted their request, even though it wasn’t His plan for their lives. 

At least in my life, I think it’s harder to be faithful to God in the blessed days than it is in the days of hardship. When life is going well, we are tempted, like the man in the Bible, to say: take ease, my soul, my barns are filled with plenty, so now I don’t have to depend upon God. We know it’s foolish to do this, but somehow it’s the place many of us drift to when we are living in abundance and blessing. Sometimes people look at those who have been blessed with great wealth with a sense of envy. When I look at people with great wealth who are also deeply committed to the Lord, I look at them with a sense of deep admiration and respect. I realize they have reached such a level of spiritual maturity that God can trust them with more than He can probably trust me with. 

So, if you find yourself wishing for more blessings, and especially if you feel discontent when you’re not in a season of blessing, remember that perhaps God has given you what you can be trusted with, and more would harm you. Or, if you find yourself in a season of suffering, thank God for putting you in a place where you have to depend on Him to even survive. 

In Matthew 25:21, we read, “His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” 

The key to being blessed with more stewardship responsibility is to be faithful with whatever God has given us right now. If we are not generous with a little, we will only hoard a lot. If we are not obedient to Christ when we are suffering or experiencing difficult times, we will be even more disobedient when we have power and resources. If Christ isn’t our main focus and love when we possess little, He will not be our love when we have a lot. 

One other thought. In Luke 12:48, we read, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” I have known some very wealthy people in my lifetime. Some of them have expressed that having great wealth is a burden they wish they didn’t have to bear. It’s hard for them to know who their true friends are or exactly how they should use their money for God’s glory. There is a great responsibility that comes with great material blessings, whether those be power, prestige, or other resources. May God help each one of us to be faithful when we have little or a lot. 

Here is a prayer I often pray: “Lord, I want to be used by you in this world in a very significant way. I am asking you to provide the necessary resources so the ministry I lead can continue to reach more and more children with a biblical worldview. Lord, it seems to me that if you were to provide much greater resources, we could do a much greater work for you. However, only give us what you know we can be trusted with, and never give me anything that would lead me away from an intimate relationship with you. In Jesus' Name! Amen."