Triumphalism and the Prosperity Doctrine

Triumphant living is often emphasized in certain streams of Christian teaching, but the Bible presents a more complex and balanced view. This article considers what the Bible actually promises, why suffering and unanswered prayer remain part of discipleship this side of eternity, and how believers can hold victory and trial together.

A Theology of Continual Victory

This unbalanced theology, associated with the prosperity doctrine, focuses on the Christian life being one of continual victory and overcoming, while ignoring the reality of ongoing sin and our own fallen and finite nature. Although Christ made provision for total victory over all the effects of sin, and God is able to miraculously heal, provide and bless, this is not always our present experience.

Victory in Christ, held together with human weakness

While we are invited to ask in faith, trusting in His divine intervention to receive what we have prayed for – including physical healing and release from spiritual bondage – this does not always happen (Mk 11:24, 16:17-18). We should be persistent in prayer until the Lord indicates otherwise (Lk 18:1-8; 2 Cor 12:8-9).

When Prayer Goes Unanswered

God is not obliged to give us what we ask. Rather, we must understand that He is a holy God, deserving of our submission to His perfect will and His sovereign purpose. While it is natural to desire a pleasant and relatively carefree life, there is a tension between the jubilation of experiencing God’s provision and His power intervening, and the agony of enduring unrelenting circumstances with prayers not answered as we had hoped.

Fully surrendering to God's perfect will

Suffering Used for Eternal Benefit

The New Testament teaches it is natural for believers to suffer all kinds of trials (Acts 14:22; 1 Pet 1:6, 4:12). It also indicates that at least two of the New Testament spiritual leaders had sickness from which they were not healed (2 Cor 12:7-10; 1 Tim 5:23). Although God reigns, His supremacy won’t be fully manifest until Jesus returns. He uses the less-than-ideal situations in life to develop in us character and spiritual growth that cannot be achieved through any other means. He doesn’t eliminate suffering and defeat, but uses these for our eternal benefit (Rom 5:3-5, 8:28; 2 Cor 4:17-18). We should be determined to loyally follow God regardless of His alleviation of our predicaments (Dan 3:11-12).

Growth comes through trials, not in spite of them

As believers, our hope and vision should always be centred on Christ and the ultimate victory – not on what does or doesn’t happen in this world, nor on the negativity that characterises Satan’s realm.

Our faith in God will be tested. Even when our needs seem to go unmet, we must trust that He is able to work all things together for our good.

Reflection and Application

Pray persistently, yet submit every request to God’s perfect will.
Expect trials as a normal part of discipleship, not a sign of weak faith.
Let unanswered prayer deepen your dependence on God rather than breed disappointment.
Keep your hope fixed on Christ’s ultimate victory, not on present circumstances.