Let me explain why some tithers fail to prosper.

The big mistake many tithers make is to interpret the promise of God in Malachi 3.10 literally. When God says that He will “open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough to receive it” He is referring to the intensity of His blessings, not how they will literally happen. In other words, you will not see a window opening in the sky above you and see money pouring like rain till it fills up your backyard.

The role of tithing in your prosperity is two-fold. First, it enables God to rebuke the devourer in your life. That means you will be protected from undue losses. Second, it brings God’s favor upon the actions you take to conquer financial blessings. I stress “actions you take” – that is, in order to prosper, you need to take some practical steps besides tithing.

Here are three things you can do to start:

1. Adopt a no-borrowing principle. It is abundantly clear in God’s Word that His people should not borrow (Deut 28.12). You should get into God’s financial mindset, which is to be financially independent. The borrower is a slave to the lender. Always prefer to pay for things in full, and if you can’t afford it now, save enough money to buy it in one payment later. This way you will never pay interest, and you may even earn interest on your savings, depending on how you invest it.
2. Improve your earning sources. You may be stuck in a job that pays you the same salary year after year and there are no prospects of change. How can God prosper you when your earning source is limited? But before you think that looking for another job is the solution, consider if the problem lies with you. If you are not an employee who adds value, that is, you are not an indispensable, hard-to-find employee who helps the company to grow, why would your boss pay you more? Why would he bother to retain you when the average person can do what you do? Make sure you add value to your company before asking them to add dollars to your salary.
3. Have an entrepreneurial spirit. Nowadays, there are literally thousands of small business ideas to be explored and that could provide you with an extra income. If you limit yourself to a 9-to-5 job at a fixed salary, you know you can’t expect more than that. What are you really good at? Is it something people are willing to pay you for? If yes, you’re in business already! Do a bit of research into the idea, but most importantly, get started immediately and perfect the business as you go along. Action is the key. Don’t be afraid to take risks. 

God promised to bless the tithers but He can only bless the work of your hands. If you give Him nothing to bless, that is, if you take no action, He can’t help you.