God’s plan is to give humanity an experience with sin and evil before granting them knowledge, prosperity or health. In His wisdom, He knows we need this. Would anyone give their child a car and turn him loose, without teaching him how to drive first?   (Isaiah 26:9 NASB, “…For when the earth experiences Thy judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.)

In John 10:10 Jesus says “…I came that they might have life and might have it abundantly.” This means that when God’s kingdom is established in the future, all will be given an opportunity for life, and righteousness will reign. Jesus constantly taught about the wonderful, earthly kingdom.  But presently, we are still learning about the consequences of sin.

Our circumstances are known by God and allowed by Him. We are to try to develop the fruits of His spirit amid our troubles. Character development is essential to have everlasting life.

Jesus explains how we should view our earthly needs. Luke 12:21 (NLT), “… a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” This does not mean that we should not own anything; or that we shouldn’t be at all concerned about the necessities of life; or that we shouldn’t work for our living; but rather, that our attentions and hearts should be directed first toward developing a close and obedient relationship with God! (See also 1Thessalonians 4:11,12)

Again, in Luke 12: 29-31, Jesus says, “Do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things, the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His kingdom and these things shall be added to you.”

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us an example of how to pray. Verse 11 reads: “Give us this day our daily bread.” This implies that it is good and appropriate to ask God for our needs. But, it does not mean we can ask to be made rich, or to become brilliant, or to have perfect health.

God develops our faith and character through our needs/weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 (RSV): “…For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

James even tells us to rejoice when we have trials. James 1:2-4 (NASB), “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

We are to be content with whatever our heavenly Father gives. We trust in His wisdom to know what is best for our spiritual growth. We continue in His Word, asking for guidance and strength and peace in our experiences.