Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” emphasizing living with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Scriptures for today:
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Ecc 3:1 ERV)
There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time
Setting the Stage. (From 1 Samuel 18:6-9)
Yesterday, we left off with David receiving an incredible promotion. With just having one fight on his resume (killing Goliath), and without ever serving a day in the military, without ever leading troops, without ever attending training, and without ever even wearing a coat of armor, David, the teenager, was promoted to General. He was the new Commander of the Men of War. David’s life had changed immensely in just a short span of time. He went from the lowest position in his home to the highest position in the military in just a matter of weeks. Before, David was a “nobody,” but now he is a national hero who was invited to live in the palace with the king. How did this happen? The answer is simple: it was the grace and favor of God.
As the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed Goliath, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul and his army. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines, cymbals, and flutes. This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands!” David did not ask these women to sing that song. David did not have pride in his heart. David was not looking for recognition. David was not placing himself above Saul. But Saul, when he heard the song, became very angry.
Saul said, “What is this? They credit David with tens of thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” Saul had no idea how prophetic his words would prove to be. Yes, David would be Saul’s successor, commanding the kingdom after Saul’s death, but it was not like David was attempting to take anything from Saul. This was all God’s doing, but Saul did not know it. The Bible says: “So from that day Saul kept a jealous eye on David.”
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Embrace God’s Favor with Gratitude!
Recognize that your blessings and success come from God’s grace. Like David, understand that promotions and victories are divine gifts, not solely the result of your efforts. Embrace these blessings with thankfulness and humility.
How this applies to you:
— No matter how much work you think you are putting into achieving success, you should acknowledge God as the source of your success and blessings. This perspective will keep you humble and open to God’s best.
— Express gratitude daily for God’s grace and favor on your life. Live every day with an attitude of gratitude and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
— Use your blessings as opportunities to glorify God, not yourself. This is a major key to experiencing continual blessings because God will not exalt you when you take His credit.
— Stay grounded in your faith, regardless of your achievements.
— Share your blessings with others, recognizing they’re given to be a blessing.
2. Maintain Integrity in the Spotlight – Don’t Let Success Change You!
As God elevates you, remain true to your character and values. David’s sudden fame didn’t change his heart or his commitment to serve. When blessings come, it’s crucial to stay anchored in who you are in Christ.
How this applies to you:
— Stay consistent in your character, regardless of your position or success.
— We have all met people who allowed a certain level of success to get to their heads. If you are not a man/woman of integrity, success can corrupt your character. But if you maintain your integrity, success will not change you.
— Continue to serve others, even when you’re in a position of authority.
— Keep your spiritual disciplines strong, especially when things are going well.
— Seek accountability to help you stay grounded in your faith.
— Use your influence to uplift others and honor God.
— I taught you about handling success with grace and humility a few days ago. We must all practice this because if we don’t, success will ruin us!
3. Prepare for Potential Backlash!
Be aware that God’s blessing and favor can sometimes trigger jealousy in others, as it did with Saul. While you can’t control others’ reactions, you can prepare your heart to respond with grace and wisdom.
How this applies to you:
— Anticipate that not everyone will celebrate your success. Not everyone with you is for you.
— Respond to jealousy with kindness and understanding.
— Don’t be surprised when your success irritates others because of their own insecurities.
— Saul was a king, but he was jealous of a teenager because he was not secure in his own skin. You will run into people like this all the time.
— When you know who you are and you are secure in your identity, then you are free to celebrate others because you understand that building them up does not tear you down in any way. But just know that you will encounter people who are threatened by your success. They think that you going up means they are going down.
— Avoid boasting or drawing unnecessary attention to your blessings. Stay humble and only share precious things with precious people.
— Pray for those who may be struggling with envy towards you.
— Focus on your purpose rather than others’ perceptions.
4. Trust in God’s Protection for Your Purpose.
When facing jealousy or opposition, remember that God’s purpose for your life supersedes any human interference. Just as God protected David from Saul’s jealous attacks, He will shield you as you walk in His will.
How this applies to you:
— I have told you many times that their poison cannot stop your purpose!
— Rest in God’s sovereign protection over your life and purpose.
— Maintain your focus on God’s calling, not on others’ negativity.
— Respond to opposition with faith rather than fear, knowing that your purpose is intact, God is still God, and God is still going to do what He said in your life, whether others like it or not.
— Continue to excel in your work, knowing God is your ultimate judge.
— Use challenges as opportunities to demonstrate God’s grace on your life.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I humbly accept the blessings and favor You’ve bestowed upon me.
I recognize that every good gift comes from You, and I steward these blessings with gratitude.
In the face of success, I commit to maintaining integrity and staying true to who I am in Christ.
I prepare my heart to face potential jealousy or opposition with grace and wisdom.
Your protection surrounds me, and no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
I choose to focus on Your purpose for my life, not on the perceptions or reactions of others.
My trust is in You alone, not in my achievements or the approval of people.
I will continue to serve others and use my influence to glorify Your name.
Your grace is sufficient for me in all circumstances, propelling me forward in Your divine plan. GREATER IS COMING FOR ME!????????????????
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!????????????????
