LORD, BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS

What is success? It’s the Lord blessing the work of our hands.

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes establish the work of our hands.” ~ Psalm 90 : 17

The world talks about the “Midas touch” where everything someone touches turns to gold. They attribute the success to the person, but we as believers know that the attribution belongs to God. When we know this TRUTH we move differently, we work differently, we yearn for success differently. We know to go to the source of all things.

‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine.’ declares the Lord Almighty ~ Haggai 2 : 6

How do we position ourselves for favor? God blesses and grants favor to the good (Proverbs 12:2). We’re not supposed to participate in being crafty to get our way. We are not called to deceive and hinder the purposes of others to get ahead. We serve a God who is higher than all earthly plans. Our code: When we work, the best of our ability is our divinely set standard. We have an instruction to operate in the knowledge that we are serving Christ. If only ‘the best’ can be brought before human royalty. How much more do we perfect our work for the King of Kings who knows what our best is? Considering the bible story about Cain and Abel, they both brought an offering of their work before the Lord, but only Abel was commended for what he brought. Genesis 4 : 4 says the Lord looked with “favor on Abel and his offering.” He brought his very best. When we are obedient to the word of God, our reward is not only earthly but heavenly. We are pleasing our Lord. That’s a greater motivator than things that fade (Matthew 6 : 19).

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ we are serving.” ~ Colossians 3 : 23 - 24

It’s not human nature to be excellent, that’s why we celebrate it when we see it. We have to reject mediocrity, and consciously break through by pushing ourselves to do things better. Train yourself by being conscious of your output. Everything you put your hand to is your output - the way you do your job, the way you involve yourself in relationships, the way you care for your children, the way you keep your home. I used to operate on auto, just getting things done, and it seemed okay until I had to face the fact that I was reaping what I was sowing. The state of my life is a reflection of the seed time and harvest time principle. Now I have to ask myself: Could this have been done better? No one will ever push you to be the best of you. It’s a personal decision we should all make, and commit to living out.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” ~ Galatians 6 : 7

We can transform our lives through the way we work. Our greatest example is Jesus Christ, the son of God, and yet He came to serve (Matthew 20 : 28). Jesus was on a mission, to reconcile us to our loving Father, service was one of the pillars to fulfilling His work. Be determined to bring more to the table in everything that you do. In everything: ask how can I serve the customer, audience, colleagues, superiors?? Serve in small ways, serve in big ways, just always be serving more than what is required. People are always watching, demonstrate your capability, not your job description.

What made King Solomon the wealthiest man to ever live? Wisdom was the differentiator. He didn’t get consumed with wanting money or wealth. He knew that what he needed more than anything was the wisdom to do the work that God had given him in a manner that would be pleasing to God. Wealth would be an outcome of doing the work wisely. Proverbs 3 : 16 describes wisdom as possessing long life in her right hand and riches and honor in her left hand. What’s your long game? Be wise, be shrewd, be strategic. Habit no. 2 in Stephen Covey’s bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is “begin with the end in mind.” Have a vision, a divine vision, don’t put God outside the door of your work, allow God in every area of your life. Add Kingdom purpose to everything, it doesn’t need to be complicated, merely answer for yourself how what you are trying to do will bring glory to God. It's simply aligning our values with the word of God. Operating with integrity to bring honor to God.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” ~ James 1 : 5

Ever heard the statement, be careful what you wish for because you might just get it? When God blesses our work, our territory is enlarged. Prepare to receive your blessing. The bible assures us that when we ask we will receive when our ask is in keeping with who God is (Matthew 7 : 7 - 8). In other words we are not asking to harm other people or steal or show ourselves as better than others, because God is contrary to those things. God is love.

The Prayer of Jabez

“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my ]territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” ~ 1 Chronicles 4 : 9 - 10

How do we prepare for our blessing? We get around people who are doing the same thing we are trying to do, it energizes us, and provides an invaluable network of support and ideas. We get the benefits of being united with others going the same way as us. We build each other up. Iron sharpens iron. Find your tribe. Don’t isolate, the journey is too long to go alone. You will be better at managing your expansion when you study your tribe. The association of others will teach you how to play at the next level.

Maybe you feel like you’re doing everything and are not getting anywhere. Keep at it. Refuse to quit. The farther you are from the starting line, the closer you are to the finishing line. Stay on course. Don’t be discouraged, regain your strength and courage by washing yourself with God’s word continuously. Consider the words of the Lord to Joshua when he was getting ready to lead the Israelites into their promise - A land flowing with milk and honey. God had already given them this land as an inheritance. It was theirs. They just had to take it, but it wasn’t going to be easy. It was going to be a fight, but the result had already been pre-destined. That’s the power of our God! They would be victorious - the command was to remain strong and courageous only.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1 : 9

The journey may seem long, the days get long, but wait upon the Lord. God is so good, even in waiting there is a promise. Lay hold of all the promises of God.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~ Isaiah 40 : 31

Do your part, the blessing belongs to the Lord.

How have you been preparing for God to bless the work of your hands?

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