(Read Daniel 6:1-3)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. This morning I feel led to go back to the same passage from Friday.
The Bible says, “Darius reorganized his kingdom. He appointed one hundred twenty governors to administer all the parts of his realm. Over them were three vice-regents, one of whom was Daniel. The governors reported to the vice-regents, who made sure that everything was in order for the king. But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.” Other translations say Daniel had “an excellent spirit”.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God does His part and provides you His grace.
a) God favored Daniel time and time again. Daniel was brought before three different kings, on three different occasions, during three different seasons, all by God’s grace.
b) God’s grace will get you noticed and bring your before great men.
c) God’s favor will open doors no man can close and close doors no man can open.
d) I am a witness of God’s grace and favor. During my 25 years in the U.S. Army I have experienced God’s grace and favor time and time again. God has opened doors for me that I could never open on my own. But once I got through the door, God expected me to do something with the opportunity!
2. You must be determined to do your part.
a) The grace of God will open the door for you, but God’s grace does not stop there. Once you are in the door, God’s grace is also available for you to perform with a spirit of excellence.
b) God gave Daniel grace with King Darius, but the Bible then says that Daniel “so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.” Notice that it was Daniel’s performance that caused Darius to want to promote him even higher.
c) God gave Daniel the opportunity and he made the most of it. Daniel put in the work, making the most of God’s grace. We should do the same.
3. Your will has a lot to do with your success (or lack thereof).
a) Your soul is comprised of your mind (how your think), emotions (how you feel) and will (how you make decisions).
b) If your will is not aligned with God’s purpose you won’t have the motivation to pursue your purpose with all your might.
c) God has given you the grace, but do you have the will? Are you willing to DO what God requires of you for divine success?
4. God’s grace must be coupled with your desire.
a) Where there is grace but no desire, God is willing but you are not, and you will not experience success.
b) Where there is desire but no grace, you are willing but your will does not line up with God’s purpose, so you will toil and toil without grace or favor. Human effort alone will never produce God’s best.
c) Where there is grace and desire, God’s favor and your willingness, divine success is inevitable.
d) If you know God has given you the grace and you are willing to put in the work, then keep pressing, success is just a matter of time.
5. It’s not ALL God and it’s not ALL you.
a) Daniel’s success was not ALL Daniel, but then again it was not ALL God either. God had a part and Daniel had a part.
b) God has freely done His part by giving You His grace. You must do your part by exercising your faith and putting in the work required to experience divine success.
c) Your success will not be all you, because God’s grace will do what you are not able to do. But your success will not be all God either. If you sit around waiting for God to do it all, you will be waiting a long time!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You made plans for me before the world began. You made those plans by Your unearned and amazing grace. You have now graced me to fulfill those plans. You are so committed to me and to the plans You made for me, that Your favor goes before me like a shield. You open doors for me that no man can close. You close doors for me that no man can open. You favor me to get divine opportunities. You bring me before great men time and time again. But once I am there, You expect me to DO something. You have already given me the grace, but I must have the desire, faith and work ethic to make the most of what You have provided for me. If I don’t DO something with the chances You give me, I frustrate Your grace. But by faith I declare that Your grace towards me shall not be in vain. I will make the most of every opportunity You give me. Grace opens the door, faith walks through it, and then working with a spirit of excellence I will ensure I maximize the purpose and potential You have placed IN me. With Your grace and my desire, Your favor and my determination, I am convinced that I will make the most of the life You have given me. It’s not ALL me, and it’s not ALL You – but together we shall leave a mark in this world that will never be erased! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
