TEXT: PSALM 90:17, ECCL. 9:10
It is God’s desire to prosper the works of my hand. (Ps. 1:3, Deut. 28:8). The works of my hand could mean my vocation, career, ministry, my own area of responsibility, or even whatever I do for the benefit of humanity and for my own blessing. It is simply what one does or what one spends his life working for. It may be constructing a building, conducting business or trading, writing a book or song that will change people’s lives, treating or finding a cure for sick people, etc. Whatever it is, God simply expects us to work and to excel in our workplace.
We are all blessed with talents and abilities (either spiritually or by the strength of our hands), and God requires us to use them and work. (1 Cor. 12:4, 7). For an effective result at work, we must be diligent and efficient in whatever we do (Rom. 12:11). “The diligent hands makes rich” (Prov. 10:4).
Many people are blessed with both physical and spiritual strength but choose to be lazy, sluggard, or idle. Paul declared that those who do not work should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Those whose hands are not idle honour God because they keep His commandments to be gainfully employed. (Eph. 4:28).
Man’s great weakness is his neglect of God’s favour as well as showing lackadaisical attitude towards his own interests. He is careless about improving his advantage. In our current situation in this country, rather than crying, grumbling, stealing, begging, etc., let us engage ourselves meaningfully and work. God worked, Jesus worked (Jn. 5:17), and we too must work and not be idle.
God desires our prosperity and overall well-being. He promised to prosper and establish the works of our hands (Ps. 90:17). This promise was fulfilled in the life of Joseph (Gen. 39:3) and Abraham (Gen. 13:2).
When we work hard, or put in all our might, as in Eccl. 9:10, we:
▪️Put food on our table rather than grumble, wait for manna from heaven, or even steal. 2 Thess. 3:10
▪️Become a blessing to others rather than a burden (Eph. 4:28).
▪️Honour God and keep His commandment (Eph. 4:28).
▪️Advertise God’s grace and blessings.
Advancement and fruitfulness in life are not products of accident but a function of hard work and God’s grace.
Prayer: Dear Father, activate your grace upon my life, make me meaningfully engaged, and bless the work of my hands in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.