Why Prosperity Fails

This message takes us on a profound journey through the life of Jacob, revealing why prosperity—spiritual, physical, and relational—sometimes eludes us despite God's abundant promises. At the heart of this exploration is Jacob's encounter at Bethel, where he made a covenant with God, and his eventual return to that sacred place. We discover that true prosperity isn't merely about financial abundance; it encompasses wholeness in every area of our lives. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we've been making decisions based on human reasoning rather than divine revelation. Jacob's story teaches us that God determines the boundaries of our habitation—we don't simply choose where we belong; God places us strategically for His purposes. The message confronts our tendency to bring 'foreign gods' into our spiritual lives—those worldly attitudes, past hurts, and cultural compromises that contaminate our relationship with God. We're reminded that we cannot resist the enemy unless we first submit to God, and that obedience, not ability, is the true measure of spiritual success. The call to 'put away foreign gods' resonates deeply in our modern context where we've often made Christianity about our comfort rather than our calling. This teaching invites us to examine what idols we've allowed to take root—whether it's our attachment to the past, our embrace of worldly philosophies, or our reluctance to fully surrender to God's instructions. The promise is clear: when we align ourselves with God's Word, purify our hearts, and obey His leading, we position ourselves to walk in the fullness of His blessing.