Do not look for the big break, the miraculous provision, the chance deal, an inheritance or the lottery to get rich quick. In a few words…the desire to get rich quick is really an ungodly lust for financial success without learning how to manage money. If we can get this concept into our minds, we will be far closer actually to learning how God wants to advance us.

Advancement comes to those who diligently apply God’s principles on a consistent, long-term basis. Look for steady progress through diligent, consistent work. God generally advances us gradually so we can concurrently grow the maturity to hold on to what he gives us. It is like a plane taking off—there is a correct trajectory of climbing that won’t stall the plane’s motor and yet gets you in the air before the end of the runway. Eyes set on the “chance that may come” will keep you from taking today’s step forward. Proverbs speaks to the trap of sitting around and waiting for your ship to come in.

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished (Proverbs 28:19-20).

A minister friend of mine calls this get rich quick mentality “lottery thinking.” I have to agree with him, lottery thinking is poverty thinking. The people who spend the most money on lottery tickets are at the bottom of the income scale. When politicians start a lottery to fund a government project, they generally consider it a tax on the poor. The help you need is not a big sum of money dumped in your lap, but rather a kick in the pants to start moving so God can bless your steps of faith.