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Genesis 30:37-38

Jacob was not the type to dwell on a setback. So, he set to work, implementing the latest animal-breeding method. He took some fresh branches and peeled parts of them, leaving them striped and exposing the white wood underneath. Then, he placed them in front of the watering troughs where the sheep and goats mated. The theory was that a visual impression on the mother at the moment of conception would affect the appearance of the offspring.

(31:10, 12) The Lord draws Jacob’s attention to this, as if to say: "It is not your crazy scheme that is working. I am the one causing these male goats to mate, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you". God ordained that the specific type of sheep and goats Laban had agreed to give Jacob would multiply according to natural genetic laws. Jacob’s peeled branches had nothing to do with it. Once again, it is Jacob who attempts to act on his own and yet again does not seek the Lord.

Neither hard work nor integrity, important as they are, was enough. Jacob was a hard worker, and hard work often brings financial success. The Bible commends hard work. Yet, even when we work hard, we must acknowledge that any success we enjoy comes from the Lord, not from our own labor. Let us be honest: some people work hard all their lives and never get rich. And while integrity is vital to our testimony as God’s people, it often hinders success rather than promoting it. The dishonest person often prospers, while the person of integrity misses out on opportunities for easy money. Therefore, the conclusion remains the same: prosperity comes solely from the Lord.

This applies to us as well. It is the principle of stewardship that we own nothing, but are merely managers. God owns everything, and as the Owner, He directs how it is to be used. If we are truly generous, we give God ten percent (the tithe for the church) and our offering (for missions, etc.), while squandering the rest on ourselves. But that is not God’s perspective on prosperity; it is meant to be used for God’s purposes.