Breakthrough is in YouSample

If you are going to stay where you are, if you are content, and if you just want to camp out in your current set of circumstances, do not worry about work. However, if you want to move to the next dimension, if you want to see another level of fulfillment, and if you want to lead others who will grow to lead others, you cannot be afraid of investing yourself through work. The blessing and favor of God do not always mean that things are going to happen automatically for you. Just because you have a promise does not mean that promise is just going to waltz into your life. The opportunities for success are available, but success is not automatic. If you are going to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead, you must invest yourself in your future and the futures of others by being willing to work.

I could go to the best gymnasium or workout facility, one that has weights, treadmills, ellipticals, saunas, and so on. I could have access to all this equipment and have a personal trainer, too. I could come back and tell you how I signed up and give you all the details about how exciting and elaborate this gym is. But, five months later, the real question would be, “How many times did you go to the gym and use the equipment?” That is all that matters. 

So, even when I have access to the opportunity, I still have to put in the work to get the results I need. Success is available, but not automatic. As Proverbs 20:4 (NLT) says, “Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.” And, it’s very possible—if these people were given food—that a few chapters later, Proverbs 26:15 (NLT) would describe them again: “Lazy people take food in their hand but do not even lift it to their mouth.” Work causes us to hold onto the promises of God to a much greater extent than if everything were just handed to us. Easy come, easy go. As leaders, you know that when you put some sweat and tears into something, you will value it more than if it were free for the taking. So many times when opposition comes, people are tempted to pull back instead of getting in there and putting a shoulder to the plow and working until they see the manifestation of what God has promised in their lives. Especially as a leader, you have to work with what God has given you. Work your faith. Work your knowledge. Work your talents. Get in there and make it happen! Invest in your future. You cannot be afraid to fight for what God has promised you because you are fighting for His promises to others also. Work is a prophetic act. When you invest your time and talent into your dream, it demonstrates your belief that it will become a reality.