Thurs., 5/28/20 Devotion (3 Jn. 2)

Today's encouragement comes from 3 John, v. 2, where we read these words:

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

I like this little verse (above). It reminds us Christians that God is concerned about *all* the facets of our being, (and not just one or two of them). The soul is the most important part of any person—by far—and it is to get first atten-tion; but, after it is thriving, God would have every other part of His child pros-per, too. (Those with healthy souls will be diligent to preserve the body’s health, as well.)

Does this mean that sick believers are under God's displeasure? No; not at all. We cannot know the Lord's secret providences for His children; but we can know this: that *we* ought to desire, and pray for health at every level—so that the church and the gospel will spread and grow all over the earth.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Have you forgotten the years of the right hand [viz. the extreme blessings] of the Most High? —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]