The Reward of Diligence

Daily Devotional – Sunday, February 6, 2022

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

Proverbs 28:19 (NKJV)

An anonymous person once said, “God gives birds food, but he does not throw it into their nests.” How I wish the current generation of young people, especially born-again Christians, would heed this counsel!

After graduating from the university, Paul retreated to his hometown to start the next phase of his life. His first port of call was the church. This was natural for him because he was born again and had been an active member of the university Christian group.

Prayer vs. Hard Work

The church was glad to have Paul back. He was skilled with most musical instruments and was a gifted choir leader. The more jobs became scarce, the more the young graduate spent time serving in the church.

One thing you could not fault Paul for was his prayer life. His knees became sore and his voice hoarse as he pleaded with God for a job every day. Unfortunately, no one in the church seemed to notice his need for employment.

Knocking Relentlessly

Meanwhile, many of his fellow graduates were getting jobs. Most of them had been knocking relentlessly on the doors of business premises, companies, and institutions. While they asked God for jobs, they went out to meet prospective employers and prove their worth.

Gradually, Paul became frustrated. He believed God was unfair to him. “I have served you faithfully for many years. God, I spend all my time in the church serving you. Why are you giving jobs to other people and not me?” He lamented.

Till the Land

Paul’s situation would have been significantly different if he had heeded Solomon’s counsel, “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!” (Proverbs 28:19).

God’s physical and moral laws have never been in conflict. The God who said ‘Thou shalt not steal” is the same that commanded Adam to till and manage the Garden of Eden. Today, like ever before, God blesses the work of our hands.

Collect Your Manna Daily

Like the fowls of the air, Paul needed to go out and knock at the right doors to get his food. Serving in the church was good but it was not a substitute for venturing out to seek for employment in the right places.

The miracle the farmer seeks is in the soil but he must till the land first. We are co-workers with Christ in acquiring the blessings he has in place for us. We cannot sit in our tents and pray that God brings manna to us. We must venture out and collect our daily portions.

The Reward of Diligence

The precious treasure you seek in concealed in work. Go out and do your best in your business, farm, workshop and any other workplace. Your wealthy is in the diligence of your hands.

Heavenly Father, give me the strength and wisdom to work, because that is the path to my blessings.