Some years ago, I went somewhere to minister. I drove for hours and also ministered for hours. The honorarium my host gave me could not even take care of my transportation. I did not know what to say. I just gave God thanks for the opportunity to be a blessing.
The next day, I received a very huge credit alert from someone. I had not been in touch with this person for a long time. He must have been led to do so. Immediately, the Holy Spirit ministered to me; “Son, that’s your payment for the service you rendered to me yesterday.” I understood divine reward.
Friend, there is a difference between divine rewards and human awards or applauds. You need to understand God’s reward system if you would not live in frustration or discouragement. A lot of people do not understand that the kingdom that we belong to has a system that is quite different from the world’s system. Most times, we attempt to walk in the kingdom with the mindset of the world (2 Corinthians 10:3). This will not work.
Knowing how to work the kingdom systems is critical learning for those who would make an impact in the kingdom (Hebrews 11:6). Part of this is God’s reward system. How does God reward? What type of reward do we have in the kingdom? How do you position yourself correctly for your reward? These and many more are worth paying attention to.
The first thing to learn regarding God’s reward system is that God is your reward as well as your rewarder. This was the understanding that God had to introduce to Abraham. Unfortunately, Abraham could not still get it (Genesis 15:1-3). He was still asking for what to get when God had presented Himself to him as his exceeding great reward.
God often gives you the gift of Himself before He gives you other gifts. This is why even if your life seems empty of things, you can enjoy rest and satisfaction knowing that you have God (Psalms 16:5-8). Until you possess God, you would always feel empty and inadequate no matter what you have. When God offers you Himself, He has offered you all you can ever imagine in the world (Genesis 14:18-20).
God is your rewarder, not human beings. Stop hustling and struggling (Psalms 18:43). Like Abraham, move from being a mercenary to being the blessed one (Genesis 14:21-23). Human beings can only give you applauds or awards, they cannot reward you. Even if the applauds and awards are not coming, keep sowing the seed of commitment to your life and assignment. You don’t necessarily reap where you sow, but you would definitely reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria