We usually have a quarterly program in our ministry where people gather for teachings, prayers, and impartation. I often start my ministration with this line: “This program is for extra-milers.” I use it to remind people that growth demands more than average effort. We are called to always go the extra mile.
Friend, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra (Daniel 1:20). Unfortunately, not many people are willing to give that extra to life and to their endeavors. This is why we have more mediocrities than excellent people today. An average person gives less than required and then complains that life is unfair (Song of Solomon 1:6).
Life was not designed to be fair, especially to loafers. The way to gain an unfair advantage is to go the extra mile (Proverbs 22:29). When you choose that path, you will soon notice you are leaving people behind. It only takes a little extra effort to stand out, and that extra demands stretching beyond the normal (2 Kings 9:24).
Some believers have not prayed beyond a certain limit since they gave their lives to Christ. That is why they have not entered the deeper waters of destiny (Ezekiel 47:1-5). The encounter you desire with God is tied to going the extra mile in prayer and devotion. Even Jesus went a little further at Gethsemane with His disciples. He went beyond the normal (Matthew 26:36-39).
Leadership is about going the extra mile. Anyone who does more than is required becomes the leader, title, or not (1 Samuel 16:11-13). If you look around, you can tell who will stand out tomorrow by what they do today. They arrive early, beat deadlines, study more, give more, pray more, and work more (1 Corinthians 15:10). What about you?
Do you give life more than is required, or just barely enough? Most times, barely enough will not be enough (Matthew 25:1-9). Life happens. Seasons change. People change. If you train yourself to go the extra mile, you will always meet the demands of life. Like Jesus, go through the baptism that will announce you to your generation (Matthew 3:13-17).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria