While we were growing up, we were told that hard work brings success. So we worked hard, long hours, sometimes denying ourselves even the basic things. You buried yourself in work, thinking that in a matter of years you would be successful. But in spite of your commitment, you are still far from that success. You hear people say you still need to commit more. Yet you get to a point where you have no more to give. And to make matters worse, you see people who have not committed half of what you have, yet they are far more successful. They even seem to enjoy life more and do whatever they want, while you struggle just to keep your head above the waters.
Then came the era of “smart work.” You were told it is not about working hard but working smart. But the change is not easy. You have to undergo a complete mindset shift. You have to unlearn, relearn, and learn again. Meanwhile, age is not on your side, you are not as strong as you used to be. And still, there is no guarantee.
There are many factors to consider:
1. The world has become harsh.
Everything is hard. Compare five years ago to now, not just economically, but in all sectors: family, education, child upbringing, economy, politics, leadership, and more. Before, a little effort in the right direction produced good results. You could plan, and to a large extent, you were sure of the outcome. Not anymore.
2. Human beings, the height of God’s creation, can be wicked.
Desperately so. Many are selfish and self-centered. Nobody seems to care about others. Some people are unwilling to help, even when you share the same blood. You are important only to the extent that they can get something from you. They bleed you dry, suck you like an orange, eat the sweet part and throw away the peel. Their desire is to keep you down so they can be the ones calling the shots. They are not willing to assist you; instead, they look for ways to take the little you have. They present a façade before you, but behind you they hold daggers, ready to strike. Every word and action is misconstrued.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Wake up, dear brother and sister, we are indeed in the latter days.
3. The end time is here.
Because of this, the enemy (the devil) is fighting with all his might to ensure that God’s purpose is not fulfilled and to drag as many as he can to hell with him. For example, if God gives you an assignment to care for orphans and send them to school, the success of that assignment would draw them closer to God. But if your business or livelihood is not producing enough for your own family, how will you think of helping others? You see, the devil’s modus operandi has not changed: to kill, steal, and destroy. He only upgrades and repackages his strategies to deceive as many as possible.
I want you to know today that everyone you see who has succeeded tremendously has received or sourced help beyond the human sphere. Do not get me wrong, the spirit world assists people in this physical world to succeed. I am not referring only to the Spirit of God. There are many spirits operating today apart from the Holy Spirit: demonic spirits, human spirits, even your own spirit. When you submit to any of these spirits, you can access help and may even succeed to some extent. But if you want lasting success, success that is wholesome and adds no sorrow, only God can give such help.
Study the Bible. Many people were helped by God, and the end of such help was joy, peace, and righteousness. Isaiah 31:1–2 explains what happens to those who seek help elsewhere. God has promised to help you, so why look for help apart from Him?
Prayerfully study the Scriptures and ask for His help. He will help you.
See: 2 Chronicles 14:11; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 46:1, 5; Psalm 60:11; Psalm 94:17; Psalm 146:5; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 50:7; Hosea 13:9; Hebrews 13:6.
The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 that we should come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. This is the throne room where you are seated with Christ, if you have surrendered your life to Him.
Help is abundant for you, His beloved, but on His terms, not yours.
Help is available for you.