There is a spicy debate among Christians about God and prosperity. I see two primary camps.

First, there are those who focus heavily, if not exclusively, on prosperity. God wants to make your dreams come true: bigger house, nicer car, fatter paycheck. These folks get labeled “prosperity gospel preachers”. In its most grotesque form, prosperity preachers use schemes to make money off of our sufferings. Something is certainly way off here when you stack this one-sided teaching up against the full-council of Scripture.

The second group are those that love to hate on prosperity gospel preachers. They sniff it out and quickly condemn any hint of prosperity teaching as a false gospel. Yet, these folks can err on the other extreme: “It’s not about you and your needs. Stop being self-centered and just bow before Almighty God.” They have a view of God that comes off rather cold, and unloving. Sure God loves you, but He doesn’t seem to like you very much. He just wants you to get in line. He’s not there to care for your needs. You may have heard at church: “God wants to make you holy, not happy.” In its most grotesque form, this camp leans into legalism and misses the gospel of grace. Something is certainly off here too.

But, what if there was a third option that is a more biblically balanced perspective on prosperity and suffering? What if we could see God working out prosperity and suffering in our lives? What if God sometimes is blessing people (and enjoying doing it) and at other times is allowing suffering (for some purposes we struggle to comprehend)?

Our minds struggle with that last question. We don’t understand how that tension could possibly make sense. It’s mysterious at best and seems illogical. But, I would suggest that this third way is the most biblically accurate understanding of God. Moreover, holding these two concepts, prosperity and suffering, in a healthy tension provides a good mental and spiritual framework for navigating life’s ups and downs.

In my own life I’ve lived in this tension between prosperity and suffering. I’ve tasted blessings from God: loving relationships, healing from sickness, food on my table, protection, answered prayers, and countless other daily blessings. I’ve done nothing to deserve these gifts. God has showered them on me freely. He has blessed me and prospered me.

Yet, I’ve also experienced suffering. I’ve had daily pain in my jaw known as severe TMJ. The pain can be intense, and causes me great stress. I’ve asked for healing countless times. The answer, so far, has been no.

We’ve lived through a terrible car accident that took our precious children’s lives, a toddler and an infant. When our little Reed was fighting for his life, I cried out to God for rescue with as much faith and sincerity as I could imagine. He said no. His plans for my story have included and allowed grief and pain. He could have stopped it, but chose otherwise.

The story of Job in the Bible reminds us that suffering is mysterious. Not all prosperity is a blessing. Not all suffering is a curse. Job’s suffering wasn’t the result of his sin. Job’s suffering isn’t the result of any decision he made right or wrong. He’s caught up in a story and forces much larger than himself. Forces beyond his understanding.

Job loses everything. His children, his wife, his possessions, and his health are all gone. Then, in time, God restores and blesses him again. He received from God double blessing for all his troubles. Ultimately, God decides when Job experiences suffering and when he experiences blessing. Again, both realities are there and are part of God’s will for Job’s life.

In the Gospels we see both the raising of Lazarus from the dead and the beheading of John the Baptist. God can instantly heal the sick, but allows others to die. It’s a tension and a mystery of God’s purposes.

Read these two verses, which are promises of Jesus, side by side:

“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬b

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬b

The Bible holds the tension between prosperity and suffering. We don’t get the neat boxes or simple answers that we might prefer.

Here’s why this is a big deal. If we hyper focus on prosperity, then we will really struggle when we face suffering. If we don’t have a balanced understanding, then suffering will cause us to doubt God’s goodness and existence. Instead, we should see that suffering has a place and purpose in God’s good plans.

Sometimes God’s best for us comes through a story of suffering. I like the song Blessings by Laura Story: “What if your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know your near?” We need to have faith that suffering doesn’t cancel out God’s love. Suffering has a place and purpose beyond our comprehension.

Likewise, if we exclude prosperity from our theology, then we’ll fall into despair. If we avoid prosperity altogether, then we fail to see God as a loving Heavenly Father. Following a cold and distant God becomes duty, not devotion. It’s a recipe for spiritual burn-out.

So, we must see and continue to believe God has good plans for us. We must stoke the fires of our confidence in God’s rescue and provision. He loves us, likes us, and wants to care for his children’s needs. Pray and share your hurts and needs to your loving Father God. “Cast all your cares on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). He wants to provide for you like a good parent. Keep believing and pressing on until you see it.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:11‬ ‭

I certainly don’t understand everything about prosperity and suffering. Again, it’s a mysterious tension in life. I do know this: God is good always. God has prosperity in mind for me, my family, and all of us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Feel the tension. Live in the mystery with me: God of prosperity and suffering. Both are there in life and in Scripture. But, only one will remain.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation‬ ‭21:4‬