I want to begin with the story of a young man who grew so great that he became a reference point for his generation. He was appointed as the leader of his country at the age of 25. Yet at that tender age, he was able to make a significant difference in his time. His name? Jotham. The secret of his success is seen in the epitaph:
“Jotham became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.” 2 Chron 27:6
How Jotham did become mighty? By preparing his ways before the Lord his God. How did he prepare his way before the Lord?
There are four fundamental principles from the testimony of Jotham that I would like you to consider.
God is interested in our success
Jotham became a success because God was involved in his life. Jotham’s successes were a direct result of the fact that “…..he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.”
Often times, people are blinded to this principle. They think that God is not interested in their success or their prosperity. Whether the work of the devil or the result of a negative attitude, these people are quick to point out the examples of these who served God and died “wretched.”
Jotham’s life informs us that God is not a taskmaster. If we humans desire the best for our children, how much more the Creator of the Universe? Why did He create the silver and gold and the abundant natural resources if not for humanity, the object of His love? God is not against your prosperity, He is simply against covetousness. He wants you to have things, but He doesn’t want things to have you.
Plans have a greater likelihood of succeeding when God is involved in them
Jotham teaches us that plans have a greater likelihood of succeeding when God is involved with them. Proverb 16: 1(LB) beautifully summaries this thought: “You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives victory.” Prepare in every way you know you can, but if you don’t ask for God’s help, chances are high that your plans will go awry.
Does a reliance on God or prayer stop us from planning and preparing? Not at all. Jotham prepared. He did not fold his arms and let God work things out. He did what was required of him while depending on God for guidance. God still expects us to plan and prepare, but in planning, we should depend on him. So plan as if the outcome depends on you, and pray as if it depends on God.
Successful people not only include God in their strategy, they place Him at the centre.
Jotham prepared his way before the Lord His God. He didn’t pray after he had finished planning, asking God to rubber stamp his plans. On the contrary, he developed his plans in the presence of God through prayers. He formulated his plans with God directing him. God was the alpha and omega of his plans. Jotham was a smart leader. Little wonder he became a successful man.
Join the company of the Jothams. Let God be at the centre of your strategy. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverb 3:5-6.
Depend on Him to direct you as you formulate your plans.
Frustration is the end result of leaving God out of our plans.
Although we might be able to achieve our plans without God, we cannot find fulfillment without God. Only God gives meaning to accomplishment. Without God, our world is devoid of meaning and our successes are temporary.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1
The end result of every effort without God is described as having been done in vain. You can build your house without Him, you can watch the city without him, but in the end, you cannot find fulfillment in an activity or an accomplishment. Fulfillment is found only in a relationship with Him.
No degree of accomplishment can substitute for the emptiness of a broken relationship with God.
Jotham teaches us another definition of success:
SUCCESS RESULTS FROM THE SKILLED APPLICATION OF LABOUR DEPENDING ON THE FAVOUR OF GOD
Don’t be in such a hurry that you forget the Creator of the universe. Since He knows the best route for you to take to your destination, it is best to enlist Him into your journey. Pray over it!
QUOTE FOR TODAY
“Successful people not only include God in their strategy, they place Him at the centre” – The Maxwell Leadership Bible
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