Two men went to God in prayer for provision, one asked for bread and the other for a bakery. God answered the second man, essentially saying, “By blessing you with a bakery, you’ll provide bread for many, including the one who asked for bread.” From the story, I learnt to think beyond myself.
Friend, always think beyond you (Luke 12:16-21). I have learnt that God often shows up for and partners with those who think beyond themselves. God is looking for those through whom He can help others. He is not just looking to bless you. He wants to make you a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3).
Until you are ready to be a blessing to others and to the purpose of God on earth, you are not yet ready to be blessed (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Don’t only see yourself as a taker from God. Also, see yourself as a partner with God. The kingdom is about men partnering with God to advance the purpose of God on earth (Matthew 6:10).
When God sees you as a partner, His blessings on your life become an obligation (Genesis 26:1-4). You won’t have to beg God to do stuff for you. He would do it for you because of His purpose, not just your pleasure or prosperity. When you tie divine prosperity to divine purpose, you become an unstoppable force for God and for good in your generation (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Contrary to what and how most people think, the world of the stingy gets smaller while the world of the generous gets bigger (Proverbs 11:24). Poor people think that they would increase by haording. Rich people have learnt to scatter in order to increase. This is the mindset of the kingdom. God wants us to be a channel of His blessing, not a destination of it (Acts 9:36-42).
What would you ask God for today; a loaf of bread or a bakery (Psalm 2:8)? Rather than asking for a job, why not ask to be an employer of labour? The day you start to think beyond you is the day God will start taking you seriously (1 Kings 3:5-13). Don’t just pray. Partner with God to fulfil His agenda on the earth.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria