The Prosperity Gospel Trap
When God Becomes a Vending Machine
I used to believe God was a vending machine.
Pray the right prayers, sow the right seeds, claim the right scriptures, and boom—financial breakthrough, perfect health, business success. That's what I was taught. That's what I believed.
And for a while, it seemed to work.
My Testimony (Before It Became a Warning)
My business was growing. Money was flowing. I tithed faithfully, attended every church program, and when people asked how I was doing, I'd smile and say "blessed and highly favored."
I was the testimony everyone wanted to hear.
Then Everything Collapsed
- The business failed
- Debts piled up
- Lost my house
- Lost my car
- Almost lost my marriage
And the church that celebrated me during the good times suddenly went quiet. The prayers felt empty. The seed-sowing sermons felt like mockery.
I was angry at God. If I did everything right, why did everything go wrong?
The Question That Changes Everything
It took hitting rock bottom to realize I'd been sold a counterfeit gospel.
If following Jesus guarantees prosperity, why did Paul write most of his letters from prison?
What Jesus Actually Promised
Jesus never promised His followers wealth and comfort. He promised a cross.
- Paul wrote most of his letters from prison
- The disciples died as martyrs
- John the Baptist lost his head
- Stephen was stoned
- Jesus Himself was crucified
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." — John 16:33
Where was their breakthrough?
The Real Gospel Is Better (And Harder)
The real gospel says:
- God loves you, but life will still be difficult
- Following Jesus doesn't make you immune to suffering—it gives you purpose in it
- His grace is sufficient, even when nothing else is
- His presence is the promise, not His presents
Rebuilding on the Right Foundation
I'm rebuilding now, slowly.
- Still in debt
- Still dealing with consequences of past decisions
- Still uncertain about the future
But I'm learning that God's faithfulness isn't measured by my bank account. He was with me when I was rich, and He's with me now that I'm broke.
Maybe that's the real prosperity—knowing that nothing can separate you from His love. Not poverty. Not sickness. Not failure.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 8:38-39
That's a gospel that can't be taken away.
