The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. -3 John 1, 2 (KJV)
Gaius was an elder in the early church; a man who could be trusted and depended upon to be faithful. John stated that his prayer for him and for all of the faithful was that they would be blessed in all areas of their lives. Quite often our prayers for one another are that we would do well, be blessed, and that the Lord would bring about increase in our lives. If I had a friend, and he had a business, and that business began to grow, thrive, and prosper, and my friend was giving glory to God and continuing to work hard and be honest, then I would rejoice with my friend. Because of my friend’s hard work and honesty God was bringing an increase into his life.
Unfortunately, we know that it doesn’t always happen that way. As a part of life we encounter financial problems, personal difficulties, health issues, and trials of all varieties. But those kinds of circumstances do not negate God’s blessings. Even in the hard times the blessings of God can still rest upon us. It’s during those trying times that we must do as the old song suggests and count our many blessings, because they are still there. John’s prayer and hope were that all of his friend’s life would prosper as his soul was prospering. Now, here we need to examine this more closely. How does the soul prosper? This happens in a number of ways: we have the peace of God in our hearts, we have joy in the midst of trials, we are filling our hearts and minds with the Word of God, and the light of Jesus Christ is shining brightly from us. When those kinds of evidences of God’s Spirit are working in our lives, then our souls are prospering. The soul can prosper regardless of the circumstances of our lives. Even in the darkest hour and the most terrible trials of life the soul can prosper through God's grace, peace, and presence. Christ brings to our hearts the assurance that we are not alone, and through His power we will overcome.
The invitation is for us to draw near to the Lord, experience His presence, feel His grace upon us, and have the peace of Christ in us. In Jesus Christ the soul prospers. We can face each day with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit which brings hope and rejoicing in the midst of life's struggles.
