Have you ever come to a place where you felt like you were quickly getting nowhere? I’m sure you know the old cliché about “spinning your wheels” and have most likely felt like you were time and time again. All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves putting forth much effort and seeing very little, if any, results.

Well, if you are feeling that way now, do not be discouraged. As hard as it may seem, you must continue to press forward! There is one simple word that summarizes what you need to do to experience a breakthrough – Diligence!

I am reminded of a scripture in 2 Peter that says, “Give diligence to make your calling sure.” And also remember Proverbs says, “diligent hands bring wealth”, “diligent hands will rule” and “desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” What exactly are these verses telling you about your success in ministry? They are very simply and very plainly saying that when you are diligent you will be successful.

You are probably saying to yourself about now, “Of course, I am diligent! I do my best to follow after God. I work hard at all that I do. I follow through with detailed studying for my service.” That is great and wonderful. The cause of “spinning your wheels” usually lies in one simple aspect that is very easily overlooked by many people.

Let’s be more direct. Who you are is more important than what you do. God is even more interested in diligence in your relationship with Him than in your work for Him. If you are looking for a breakthrough in your ministry, then first look at who you are and not what you do. There are many people out there doing. They are producing CDs, performing concerts, growing ministries, writing books, and creating the latest flurry of excitement in their communities. But as time passes and all things are tried and tested, their efforts bring forth very little fruit. Why? It is because they are so wrapped up in doing that they lack diligence in being whom God desires.

Refocus your attention to what is most important and all the rest will fall into place. It is the same truth that is presented in Matthew, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Be diligent in your relationship with the Almighty. You will discover new strength, new refreshing, new ideas, new insights, new wisdom, new favor, new blessings, new peace, and a new boldness that will break every circumstance and situation that appears to be holding you back. You will be propelled forward in the power of God.

God desires to mightily work through you and enable you to experience more than ever before. He desires to see you break through and launch forward in power so that everlasting fruit will come from all that your hands find to do!

Gary R. Linn