Previously, we discussed that sustainable economic growth is unattainable if individuals remain dependent on external aid indefinitely. We reflected on how the miraculous manna ceased once the Israelites entered the Promised Land, marking a shift toward self-sufficiency through agriculture and responsible land management.
Let us delve further into the idea that divine favor is intrinsically linked to the land. Since the beginning of time, humanity has been entrusted with the duty to cultivate the earth and unlock the wealth it holds.
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15 (NIV)
The initial command given to Adam was not to preach or build altars but to actively tend the land. God placed him in Eden, a fertile and abundant environment, entrusting him with its stewardship. This original divine directive underscores that blessings are accessed through faithful management and obedience.
This foundational truth remains applicable today. The prosperity and well-being of God’s people-both spiritually and materially-have always been connected to their relationship with the land they inhabit. The land symbolizes more than mere soil; it embodies opportunity, purpose, and a sacred responsibility.
Land as the Cornerstone of Divine Blessing
It is crucial to recognize that blessings are often anchored to specific locations. Every divine promise is tied to a particular place where it will be fulfilled.
When God created humanity, He did not bestow blessings in an empty void but placed man in Eden-a prepared and designated environment. Genesis 2:8 states, “The LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there He put the man He had formed.” Notice that the garden existed before Adam’s arrival, revealing an important principle: God prepares the environment before assigning the task. He never sends us into situations without first laying the foundation.
The blessing was inherent in the land itself; Adam’s responsibility was to discover and cultivate it.
Following humanity’s fall, Scripture notes that “the ground was cursed because of him” (Genesis 3:17). The earth, which once yielded effortlessly, began to resist human labor. This highlights that blessing was originally embedded in the land, and disobedience disrupts productivity. The land acts as the conduit through which blessing or curse is expressed.
Through Christ’s redemption, “He redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13), indicating that the earth no longer opposes those who live in obedience and wisdom.
Every Believer Should Strive for Land Ownership
A frequently overlooked truth is that every believer should seek to possess a portion of land within their means. This aligns with God’s original design of stewardship and responsibility.
Psalm 115:16 declares, “The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.”
Owning land transcends mere property acquisition; it signifies accountability and alignment with God’s creative order.
When God blessed Abraham, the tangible sign was land. In Genesis 12:1-2, God instructed Abram to leave his homeland for a land He would reveal, promising to make him a great nation. The promise encompassed not only descendants or wealth but was deeply connected to territory. The covenant was fulfilled when Abraham took possession of the land. Later, in Genesis 13:14-15, God reaffirmed, “Look from where you are, north to south, east to west, for all the land you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.”
Similarly, Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was not just liberation but relocation to a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). God’s blessings always involve a specific place where His people can exercise authority, creativity, and stewardship.
Therefore, wherever you are, endeavor to claim ownership of a domain-whether physical land, a business sector, or a professional field. True dominion requires a territory to cultivate and develop.
Three Essential Steps to Access the Blessings of the Land
1. Seek Divine Guidance to Identify Your Designated Territory
Prosperity begins with God’s direction. Not every land is meant for you. Abraham was told to journey to a land God would show him; Isaac was instructed to remain where God placed him. Jacob was described as having “the scent of a field blessed by the LORD.” Many struggle because they invest effort in the wrong place. Success is not about constant movement but about being in the right environment.
Your “land” might be a career, a business opportunity, a calling, or a physical location. Pray for God’s wisdom to discern where your blessing lies. Just as Eden was prepared before Adam’s arrival, your field has been readied before your birth. Once identified, remain steadfast there. For example, Isaac stayed in Gerar during famine and reaped a hundredfold harvest because he obeyed God’s instruction (Genesis 26:12).
2. Labor Faithfully to Cultivate and Safeguard Your Land
The second principle is diligent work. Although God blessed man with a garden, it was not self-sustaining; Adam was commanded to work it. Blessing empowers responsibility but does not replace it. Grace rewards effort, not idleness.
Every land holds potential, but that potential must be nurtured. Without careful cultivation, seeds of greatness will wither. Many believers pray for harvests from lands they have neglected to tend.
Proverbs 12:11 teaches, “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” This enduring wisdom confirms that fulfillment and abundance come through consistent effort.
Cultivation also demands discipline-continuous learning, growth, and innovation. Whether in business, ministry, or skill development, you must “dress and keep” your land, meaning to improve and protect it. Guard your ideas from stagnation, your enterprise from loss, and your spirit from discouragement.
Even God, the Creator, labored six days before resting. Work is sacred; productivity is a form of worship. By cultivating our land, we mirror God’s creative nature.
Spirituality should never justify inactivity. The challenge is not a lack of grace but a failure to channel that grace effectively through purposeful action.
A common mistake in the Church today is training everyone for pastoral roles, neglecting the diverse callings God has for people across all sectors of society.
3. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
“The Israelites ate the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, and the manna stopped the next day.” – Joshua 5:11-12
When Israel entered the Promised Land, the miraculous manna ceased-not as a punishment but as a promotion. God was indicating that they were now to sustain themselves from the land, not miracles.
The ultimate goal of blessing is fruitfulness. God desires that you partake in the rewards of your hard work. Psalm 128:2 says, “You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
Many believers rely on others’ harvests because they have not cultivated their own. To eat the fruit of the land means to live from the results of obedience and diligent effort, sustained by what God has empowered you to produce.
A Prophetic Invitation to Embrace Land Stewardship
The Spirit of God is calling the Church to return to the land-not only physically but also prophetically. We are summoned back to responsibility, stewardship, and divine productivity. The earth awaits the manifestation of sons and daughters who understand how to labor under God’s authority.
The blessing resides in the land, ready to be uncovered. The promises to Abraham, the command to Adam, and Israel’s inheritance all affirm one truth: God blesses His people through the land.
Therefore, allow God to reveal your field. Cultivate it faithfully. Protect it diligently. And when the harvest arrives, receive it with gratitude. “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” – Isaiah 1:19
The divine pattern is unmistakable: revelation-God reveals your field; diligence-you cultivate and guard it; reward-you enjoy the harvest. The blessing is in the land-discover it, nurture it, and thrive.
Reverend Austin Ukporhe serves as Lead Pastor at Remnant Christian Network, Lagos. Raised in Sokoto, northern Nigeria, he was ordained in 2001 after extensive training in dynamic evangelism. With over twenty years of experience witnessing God’s faithfulness, he is passionate about fulfilling God’s purpose in Nigeria. He can be contacted at +2348060255604.