Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:12-14.
The world today is filled with so many people without an understanding of the CAUSE (purpose, reason, why) they are on earth hence the bandwagon effect on anything that appears to be yielding results. We also have many others who though understood their CAUSE but are just everywhere telling people about it year in and out without any significant effect on society (especially in ministry). Some in this group know the COSTS implication of their CAUSE but are unwilling to pay it, while others are completely oblivious hence their continued existence in oblivion.
We also have a very few set of people that understand their CAUSE, found out the COSTS and are ready to pay it- these are the difference makers. In the same vein, we have quite a lot of people paying the COSTS for a non existent CAUSE- these people can pray, fast, labor, sweat and struggle for instant gratification but can’t at an instant define why they are where they are and the ultimate effect of all their labors.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. A CAUSE without a COST and a COST without a CAUSE will always end in frustration and ignominy. Success only happens when the right COST marries the right CAUSE.
2. What separates men is not in the vision they have but in the price they are willing to pay for the vision.
3. That God visited you, laid His Hands on you, spoke audibly to you or poured a drum of oil on your head cannot guarantee you success if you’re unwilling to pay the required price. You can ask the 7000 hidden prophets before Elisha’s emergence 1 kings 19:18-19, or those Obadiah hid in caves before Elijah appeared from the place of preparation. 1Kings 17:1.
Man agreeing to work with God is what gives beauty and meaning to a CAUSE.
4. Every calling is a high calling but it takes a high cost to arrive at a high place in that calling.
5. Whatever does not cost you much will neither pay you much or distinguish you.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC COSTS?
1. A life of sacrifice. Phil 3:7-8.
I am yet to see anybody at the peak of any field who does not understand sacrifice. What separates men is in what they are willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of their purpose.
2. A life of personal discipline. 1 Cor 9:25
Potential, graces and giftings become helpless where indiscipline is allowed to fester. Indiscipline is the shortest route to a life of mockery. Until you are self supervised you can-never be publicly acknowledged.
3. A life of continuous learning, improvement and development. Prov 24:4-5.
Stagnation sets in where knowledge expires. What you knew yesterday may not be suitable to handle your situation of tomorrow.
4. A life of liberality. Prov 11:24-25.
Man is naturally greedy and selfish. Until you are willing to continually distribute by wisdom what you have acquired, you leave no room for additional flow.
5. A life of focus. Phil 3:13.
The easiest way to demobilize motion is to have multiple visions and interests. People of one thing make a speedy difference. Vision can be in phases and so must be their pursuit.
6. Be selective of your association. Prov 13:20.
The choice for association is your inalienable right to make. Never forget that everyone you see, you met here on earth and they are here to fulfill different purposes. We passively respond to the influences around us overtime. Jonadab May sound like Jonathan but they are never the same. You can find out from Amon and David.
7. Submit to a proven mentor. Acts 10:1-6.
Do all you can to reject the association of the vaganbodic generation or assimilate their revelation which has not helped them.
Cornelius prayed and fasted until God responded by sending him an angel who instead of giving him the direct answer now directed him to Peter. God respects and honours mentoral relationships. Your mentors save you time, energy and pitfalls.
8. Diligence and tenacity. Prov 22:29.
Every real vision will at sometime be confronted by seasonal failures, betrayal and resistance which will eventually give way if you don’t submit to it especially mentally and emotionally.
9. Positive declarations. Num 14:28.
God had to publicly announce Jesus’’ coming after baptism not because John was not aware but for every devil to fully acknowledge and beware. Matt 3:16-17.
Always speak your expectations over your experiences. What is happening is not as important as what you are saying. Your mouth was given to you not just for food but to announce yourself and your destination not your situation.
You speak your way to the peak so say bishop Abioye.
10. Periodic seasons of prayer and fasting. Matt 17:21.
As much as you operate principles, never take principalities for granted. 2 Cor 10:3-5. There are unseen forces bent on making a mockery of your efforts, you deal with them at the place of prayer.
I PRAY FOR YOU:
You will not fail!
I declare a turnaround for your situation in Jesus name!
Before this week ends, your story has changed!
Your testimonies shall make news in Jesus name!
See you next week on this platform.
