‘ But without faith, it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].’ Hebrews 11:6 AMPC
In this fast-paced era, with people living instagrammable lives, I can assure you, the pandemic has certainly not slowed people down. What you do not see behind ‘microwave’ results is the effort that goes into it. Very few people, especially in the church, are willing to reveal the effort behind a testimony. Mind you; not every testimony is a miracle. Some are a result of diligently applying Kingdom principles, yet we are sometimes silent about that. Nothing brings rewards like diligence. While we read this scripture with faith in mind, let me share a different angle God is ministering to us today.
The Bible clearly tells us that God rewards anyone who seeks Him diligently. Anyone who seeks His thoughts, His ways, and His principles. That means anyone who comes to God constantly and pays close attention to His statutes shall be rewarded. Anyone who is strictly passionate about these things and doesn’t let anything get in the way shall receive a reward. This may sound all so hard and complicated, but God says there is a reward for your sacrifice. It takes sacrifice to live the life God has ordained you to, whether it’s spending long hours working, losing sleep to see your God-given vision or even investing money.
Likewise, our walk of faith and pursuit of purpose is one of diligence. There is no exception to being diligent in our walk. Nothing replaces diligence, not faith, not favor, or grace. I think we miss this at times as believers. We substitute prayer for diligence. Whilst the favor of God can remove the labor, the revelation of God and everything that He has given us in this life is a function of the amount of knowledge of Jesus Christ we have.
Disclaimer: I do not dismiss demonic systems that may be hindering your progress. Those are real. Trust me, my African brothers and sister know this very well. Here in Africa, there is so much more that can stop you from becoming everything God has called you to be other than the government.
However, in diligently seeking God, you become equipped with the knowledge on how to live your best life every day, as well as the Holy Spirit who will back you up when you are weak. Do not allow the world’s view of microwavable faith to taint your foundation. Now more than ever is diligence required. When a global pandemic has stirred the temptation to quit, it takes diligence to remain standing. That is a consistent pursuit of everything God has for you.
Diligence is the ability to stand while being threatened with death for your beliefs. It is speaking up for injustice, not once, not twice but for as long as you have to. Diligence takes courage, strength, and sometimes blood, sweat, and tears, but at the end of it all, the reward is worth it. As painful as it may be, as long-standing as this problem may seem to be, keep fighting. Do not give up now; God guarantees a reward.
Diligence Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the portion of faith you have given me. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that teaches me how to grow my faith through your word. Thank you, Lord, for strengthening me when I am on the verge of giving up. I trust your word that says you reward everyone that believes in you and diligently seeks you. Now I understand that nothing replaces diligence, therefore I commit myself to walk in diligently in pursuit of everything you have for me. I thank you for the Holy Spirit that strengthens me in weakness. So that my faith may be pleasing to you. I pray all this in Jesus’ Name, Amen
