By Brother Samuel Edoho, —
Text – (2 kings 6: 25-27; 7:1-3)
The bible made us to understand that the recession the world is experiencing today is not a new thing. The recession has always been there (2kings 6:25:-There was a great famine in the city). But the good news is that God always make a way for His people and He will made a way for all the young people in this church in Jesus Name.
Everyday, we read articles about recession and youth unemployment and you ask yourself what we are going to do. The Word of God is so enrich with facts, wisdom and principles about life and I’m going to share with you today some of those principles
PRINCIPLE 1 – Make God your source
The first principle to success is that you must make God your source. It is very important because God is the one that knows the beginning and the end. The bible recorded that everything was made and created by God (Genesis 1: 26-28), so He knows the entire unfamiliar success path that you don’t know. Genesis 1: 28 made it so clear about God’s intention for us- “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. God expects us to succeed in everything but for us to be successful in life we need to recognise God as our source.
So how can we make God our source?
You must be born again – Matthew 6:33- But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. When you seek the Kingdom of God first, God is able to provide everything you need. The scriptures made us to understand that Our God is an “all inclusive God” (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19)… He will provide for you in Jesus Name.
You must learn to trust God: Proverb 3: 5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Lamentations 3:24: The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. As young people/singles we must learn how to trust in God. Trusting God in other word is like “chilling”, relaxing in God, irrespective of the challenges, pressure, situations etc we faced as young people.
PRINCIPLE 2: RIGHT PLANNING
Planning is thinking ahead. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.” The scripture instruct us to commit our works first not our thoughts first. When you commit your works first to God, He gives you more insight, understanding and established yours thoughts (Psalm 119:99, Proverbs 16:3). 2 Corinthians 5:7 –for we work be faith, not by sight. Jeremiah 29: 11- God speaking said -For I know the plans, I have for you, declare the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. The Bible confirms this principle when it says, in Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Committing your works into God’s hand is like aligning your plans into God’s original plan for your life; it’s like asking Him to show you His master plan for your life; it is a way of telling God this is my own plan, however your original plan for my life supersede my individual plan. If your works matches God’s plan for your life, then it shall be established, if not, God will provide you with a better plan and your thoughts shall be established in Jesus Name.
PRINCIPLE 3: YOU MUST LEARN TO WORK HARD & WORK SMART
Matthew 7:24-27 – (The Wise and Foolish Builders): the Bible made us to understand that the wise and foolish builders were given equal grounds to build on; their buildings were exposed to the same storm-rain, stream and wind (Matthew 7:24-27). However, what differentiated the wise and foolish builders is hard work. The wise builder dug the ground to reach the solid foundation before building his house, whereas the foolish builder was too lazy and not smart enough to do that. For you to be successful as single or young person, you need to work hard and work smart.
A hard working person is sensitive to the positives things around him and maximise every opportunity. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3). Prov. 14:23; 28:19 tells us that there is profit, plenty of bread for those that work hard. Proverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean (lowly) men. The message version- Observe people who are good at their work—skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone. Paul encouraged us: “Not to (be) slothful in business; (but be) fervent in spirit; serving the Lord- Romans 12:11. Mathew 25:14-30- parable of the talent, bible recorded that the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Why? Because he was too lazy, that will not be our portion, God will give us the grace to work hard in Jesus Name.
PRINCIPLE 4: NETWORKING (building a good relationship with people) – Luke 5:1- 10(Simon build a good network with James, John and others, same with David and Jonathan). God uses people to bless others. Through Simon , others fisherman were blessed …bible recorded that Simon called for help Luke 5: 7 -And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. As young people and singles, we need to build a good relationship with people, fellowship together, attends meetings share ideas, learn new skills etc…there are a lot to gain when we gathered together as singles and young people.
PRINCIPLE 5: GIVING
Giving is a natural principle. Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom.
PRINCIPLE 6: SEEK GODLY COUNSEL
Psalm 1:1 tells us that, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly”. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established (Prov. 15:22). Joshua 1:8..tells us about good and bad success….8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. As a young person and single, we need to seek Godly counsel at all time. God will bring those people who can give us positive and Godly Counsel in Jesus Name.
Prayers
Pray for the God’s grace.
Message delivered on November 17 as part of the Singles’ Special Service.