No, we're not empowered to prosper. God doesn't promise us health, wealth, power, prosperity, respect or influence.

On the contrary, Timothy was often sick. Paul had bad eyesight. At times he was hungry and he had no food.

(1 Timothy 5:23 NIV) Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

(Galatians 6:11 NIV) See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

(2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV) Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. {24} Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, {26} I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. {27} I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. {28} Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.