EXPOSITION:

Success does not come on a silver platter. It takes a lot of discipline and diligence to achieve success. Christians are sometimes deceived to think that once God has promised, it will come at all cost. But the Bible shows that everyone God walked with worked hard first to maintain the presence of God and achieve the success God had promised.

When God promised to give the promised land to Israel, they still had to fight to possess the land. The portion of land they occupied was commensurate with how far they were prepared to fight.

The word of God came to Asa and all Judah, through the Prophet Azariah, that they should seek God and He would be found by them. Asa had to work hard to remove all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and repair the altar of the LORD. All the people sought the Lord with all their heart and soul, and the LORD honoured His promise and gave them rest. God gave them peace from their enemies and success within their borders.

The promises of God for us will not just manifest by wishful thinking. Faith must be backed with works. Work hard to remove all the bad habits and detestable attitudes from your life. Work hard to cultivate the presence of God. Diligently seek the will of God for your life. Work hard to cultivate good and productive attitudes. Follow hard after God’s will.