GOD’S WORDS OF PROGRESS

“They go from strength to strength; every one of them appears before God in Zion” – Psalm 84:7

Every Believer is entitled to enjoy the Blessings that flow through GOD’S WORDS of PROGRESS: “They go from strength to strength; every one of them appears before God in Zion” (Psa.84:7). Progress can be described as advancement or forward movement; improvement or development in the life or the affairs of an individual, group of people or organization. Progress could mean: a programme or project going as scheduled; a student improving in academic perfromance; an employee rising in career; a believer growing in grace; or a minister increasing in impact. The blessing of the Lord defeats stagnation, and brings progress in all aspects of life: spiritual, mental, physical, family, relationships, career, and ministry.

God is Progressive! He programmes His people for progress: to “grow from strength to strength” (Psa.84:7); to “be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9); to grow “stronger and stronger” (2Sam.3:1); to tread a path that “shines ever brighter” (Pro.4:18); and to be transformed “from glory to glory” (2Cor.3:18b). Progress includes: spiritual development; mental and emotional maturity; balanced physical growth, and improvement in career, finances, business and ministry. Progress does not preclude pressures; but no barrier is permitted to stop divine purpose! God commanded Moses right before the Red Sea: “…Tell the children of Israel to GO FORWARD” (Exo.14:15b). The greatest progress is often a product of the toughest challenge!

By the blessing of the Lord, Isaac progressed against all odds: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous” (Gen.26: 12-13). There was famine in the land of Gerar and Isaac’s friends and neighbours had journeyed to Egypt where there was plenty of corn and wine. It made sense to go there, since Egypt’s economy was the global best at the time. But God asked Isaac to sow in that same land where the famine was great. Isaac did and he accumulated flocks and herds and servants, so much so that the Philistines began to envy him (Gen.26: 13-14). Isaac made great progress and became successful in every area of his life. His progress was incontestable; His success and prosperity appeared to all!

Like Isaac, God has great interest in our growth and progress. He desires for us to grow into greatness, making progress every day. Though the world may come with ups and downs, God’s children are called to the forward and upward life; to make progress and move forward in life! Of course, progress often demands “pressing”: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:13-14). Nothing in life comes cheaply or on a platter of gold. Progress does not answer to passive living, but to an active and dynamic attitude.

Progress also demands that we be future-focused. It never comes by looking backward: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a ROAD in the wilderness and RIVERS in the desert” (Isa.43:18-19). The road and rivers signify forward movement – progress into a future of divine possibilities. Progress demands focus: “Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil” (Pro.4:25-27). Stop looking over your shoulder, comparing your pace with others.

Along with His Words, God’s Presence guarantees unstoppable Progress. He told Jacob: “And behold, I am with you, and I will keep you in all places where you go…” (Gen. 28:15). His Presence protected, preserved, and empowered Jacob to be on the GO! Without fail, God’s Words and Presence will empower us for daily advancement and perfect prosperity in life!