Success is not by luck; it is by covenant that operates by the laws of success Jos. 1:8. We serve a covenant keeping God, not a Father Christmas God Psa. 89:34; Mat. 20:1-9. This means that anyone can dare to succeed, simply by understanding and committing to the laws.

Illustration:

There was an African-American athlete named James (Jesse) Owens. He approached his coach in high school to ask what it takes to become an Olympic gold medalist. The coach responded diligence, discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. James Owens went ahead to win 4 gold medals in 1936 Berlin Olympic, setting world records that was not broken for 48 years. Interestingly, this was when racism was so strong that a black man was considered not capable of doing anything great.

Covenant Demands for Success.

1. The Diligence Factor.

Diligence means hard-work towards a defined goal, hard-work targeted at accomplishing a desired result. Some are busy but not working, others are working but not hard working 2Ths. 3:6-8,11; 1Tim. 5:13; Mat. 25:24-26.

The Power of Hard-work.

1. It Enthrones.

Hard-work empowers to ascend the throne Pro. 22:29; 12:24. Hard work turned Joseph, a slave to the primes minister in a foreigner land overnight Gen. 39:1-5,20-21.

2. It Delivers from Lack and Want.

Hard work terminates penury, and guarantees abundance Pro. 10:4; 13:4; 14:23. Isaac escaped the life of penury through hard work Gen. 26:1-4,12-14,15-22.

3. It Keeps Physically and Mentally Fit.

Hard work makes healthy and strong Ecc. 5:12; Pro. 31:16-17. This was clearly demonstrated in the life of Moses, a hard worker who was still healthy and strong at 120 Deu. 34:7.

Scriptural Examples of Giants Made by Diligence.

1. Paul the Apostle.

Paul the apostle was a man of great revelation, and Spirit of faith 2Cor. 12:7; 2Tim. 1:12. At the root of his rise into greatness was his labor or hard work 1Cor. 15;10. He came as the last apostle, but became the most celebrated through hard work.

2. Our Covenant Fathers.

All our covenant fathers were diligent individuals.

• Abraham was a hard worker Gen. 13:2.
• Isaac was a tireless worker Gen. 26:12-14,15-22.
• Jacob was a creative worker Gen. 30:27-37.

They all had famine in their days, but beat the famine through hard work.

Conclusion.

Living without working is dying without knowing Ecc. 10:18. Redemption brought us into Abraham’s blessings, but doing the works of Abraham is what qualifies to experience Abraham’s blessing in reality Gal. 3:13-14; Jn. 8:39.

Salvation Prayer.

To anyone reading this who desires to give their life to Christ, pray this prayer out loud with me from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today. Forgive me my sins; wash me with your blood. I believe you died for me; on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my sins are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God; I’m free from the power of sin to serve the living God. Thank you, Jesus, for receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!”

Prayer.

1. Father, endow me with your grace for diligence as a lifestyle that will empower me to rise to the top beginning from this month Mat. 5:14.