A dear man of God went into prayers asking God for progress in his life and ministry; he felt he was not doing well. God’s response revolutionized his ministry; “Son, progress for me is being where I want you to be even if it is to stay on the same spot.”
Friend, progress with God is being at the centre of His will for your life. While it is good to desire to “move forward”, we must be careful that what we call progress is not based on what we see on the outside but what God is stirring in our hearts. You cannot succeed with God when you constantly look around; your gaze must be fixed on Him (Isaiah 50:7).
“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalms 46:10). God does not want you to be under pressure. There is a peace that comes when you know that you are in the centre of God’s will for your life. The safest place for a child of God is the centre of God’s will. You need to run your particular race and not join the rat race in the world. God’s end time army are characterized by focus, consistency and order (Joel 2:1-8).
“The Lord appeared to Isaac. He said ‘Do not go to Egypt. Live in the land that I tell you to live in'” (Genesis 26:2). While it is good to seek greener pastures, you must realize that not every pasture is your pasture. When you follow God’s leading, He would sure lead you to your own green pasture (Psalms 23:1-2). Lot chose for himself the land that looked green and promising, only for him to be a victim of a predetermined evil (Genesis 13:10-13).
Success is simple obedience to divine instructions (Isaiah 48:17, 21). If God tells you to stay, stay. If He tells you to move, move. But never assume His leading because everyone is moving. Sometimes, it would look stupid. It would seem as though you are not smart. But the smartest people are the ones in obedience to God (Deuteronomy 32:9-13). God does not bless smartness, He blesses rightness.
“…Whatever he tells you, do it” (John 2:5). You are just an instruction away from your next breakthrough. What has God told you? What divine instruction are you currently disobeying? Don’t change your instructions because of conditions else you become a victim of confusion. You need to stay where God wants you to stay, doing what He wants you to do. Success is only a bye product of prompt and complete obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria