Vance K Jackson offers words of wisdom to help you stay on track with God and His plan for you life. In this extract from his Steer The Ship Devotional he looks at diligence.
Diligence Opens Doors
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” (Proverbs 22:29)
People who are diligent in their business dealings — who accomplish their assignments will stand before people of influence. When God gives you an assignment, make it your business to stay focused and complete the task at hand.
Your diligence will unlock doors and platforms that are closed for others. Diligence is a key ingredient to your success. When God opens the door, obey Him, cease the moment and execute with diligence. It is your obedience, diligence and submission that will unlock the promise and God will promote you to places that have been previously locked to others before.
Your diligence can break generational cycles and bondages. Diligently following God’s Word will unlock His Promise in your life and unplug the wells that have been blocked by the enemy. “Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there.” (Genesis 26:19). Keep digging. Stay diligent and God will unblock the wells.
Slack & Lack
“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4)
Where you find slack, you’ll find lack. Check your process. The hand of the diligent makes rich, successful and prosperous. Notice that the Bible states, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor”… Becoming indicates that it is a continual process. It is a gradual process that leads to deterioration. The deterioration does not happen overnight, it occurs over the course of time and neglect.
Continue to prune and check your process. Diligence is disciplined. Be disciplined about how you execute your God given assignment. Continue to exercise diligence in every area of your life. Choose not to procrastinate and accomplish the goal at hand.
Stay focused and avoid slack in any area of your life. Whether it’s in business, family, spiritual development or in any other area of your life, diligence will open doors that have been closed to you and others who have tried before. Your success is dependent upon your diligent obedience.
Diligently Obey God
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1)
God will set you on high as you obey Him. Notice that the scripture states that, God will do it — you do not have to elevate yourself — God will promote you. Pride will cause your downfall. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
It is prideful to think that you don’t have to be diligent when God gives you an assignment. Whether it’s in your marriage, business, ministry or even when handling your own emotions diligently seek God in every area. He is your rewarder — diligently seek Him and He will cause you to prosper.
The King’s Heart
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water.” (Proverbs 21:1 )
God will give you favor with kings when you submit to and obey His Word. Kings are those who are in places of influences, those who make decisions and have authority over a situation. God controls the heart of the king and will unlock doors and release opportunities as you submit to Him, The King of Kings. You are His chosen vessel and He will position you to prosper as you submit to Him.
The heart of kings are under his control, however you must submit to His Authority and He will lead your path accordingly. Choose to trust in God and not in the influence of man. God has you in the palm of His hands and He will not lead you astray. When you allow God to lead your ship you will prosper. God will not lead you astray. Trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit and in His directions. He’ll lead you to the right person or have the right person be led to you.
What’s In Your Mouth?
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
Steering your ship in the right direction requires skilled communication and navigation. When you allow the Word of God to navigate your course you’re allowing His Word to lead your heart, word and actions. You have the choice to diligently speak words that build others up or tear them down.
When you speak God’s Word you’ll breathe life into your situation. Choose to meditate and dwell upon what God’s Word says about your situation. Consistently feed yourself God’s incorruptible Word day and night. What’s in your heart will eventually come out of your mouth.
This article was written by Vance Jackson who serves on the leadership team of Word of Life Christian Ministries in Detroit, MI. Vance is a successful businessman, speaker and writer and leads Bible studies on topics ranging from Marriage to Faith, Family, Business, Stewardship, Emotional Healing and Leadership.
