UNLOCKING THE BLESSING: THROUGH FOREIGN TRADE
The Bible warns us, "Do not throw your pearls to pigs" (Matthew 7:6), cautioning us against giving something valuable to those who do not recognize its worth. Similarly, we learn about the children of Issachar, who "understood the times and knew what Israel should do" (1 Chronicles 12:32). This reveals that Issachar was a tribe of wisdom, discerning the right course of action. One can receive something precious yet fail to see its true value.
Wisdom is also essential when it comes to investments. The Bible states, "Invest in foreign trade, for in the end, you will find profit" (Ecclesiastes 11:1), commonly known as "Cast your bread upon many waters." Bread represents the Word of God, the Word of Life or life in itself. To cast bread upon waters means to invest your life into something . Many dedicate their lives to work or various assignments, yet they fail to reap the full reward. How does one ensure that their efforts lead to increase? How do we maximize what God has given us?
Looking at God's own investment strategy, we see how He delivered the Israelites from Egypt. However, before they could enter the Promised Land, God delayed them for forty years until those who lacked faith had perished. Only those willing to fight for their inheritance remained. This teaches us that God is strategic with His investments. When the Bible warns against throwing pearls to pigs, it reminds us to be intentional about where we place our time, efforts, and gifts.
A prime example is found in the children of Issachar. The Bible describes them as a strong donkey in Genesis 49:14-15: "Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the sheepfolds. When he saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to forced labor." This passage shows us that Issachar was not only hardworking but also obedient and discerning. Many miss their blessings simply because they fail to recognize where their efforts should be planted. The key to success is wisdom—allowing God to direct our steps so we invest wisely.
Many Christians pray for breakthroughs but fail to apply wisdom. Consider Pharaoh—when he received a prophetic dream, he sought out a man of wisdom to interpret and implement it. That man was Joseph. The dream was divine, yet it required wisdom to bring it to reality. Likewise, God may release a blessing, but it takes discernment and strategy to walk in it fully. Issachar had foresight, but foresight alone was not enough—it had to be paired with wisdom.
Jesus is called the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6). The Holy Spirit, our divine Counselor, desires to guide us in making the right investments. The principle of investing in foreign trade teaches us that wisdom is required for every opportunity. Like Pharaoh, even when God provides vision, we need wisdom to bring it to fruition.
My prayer is that God grants you the wisdom to apply what He has placed in your heart so that you will make the right investments in your career, business, family, and spiritual life. It is time for Christians to live profitably, to invest wisely, and to see returns on their faith-filled actions. Declare over your life: "I am making the right investments!"
Let me pray for you: Lord, thank You for imparting wisdom to Your people. May they be yielded to Your instructions. Thank You for the increase coming upon them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
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