Topic: Making Progress in Life
Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Jer 29:11, Prov 3: 5-6 Date: 24/3/24
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INTRODUCTION
In life, everyone wants to make progress. There are several aspects of life that everyone wants to make progress. In our church, we have identified eight areas where we make plans and trust God for progress every year:
Spiritual: Read the Bible through, prayer, fasting, books to read, witnessing, vows, giving.
Family: spend time with family, children, relationship with family members, holiday.
Health: rest, recreation, medical check up, exercise, healthy eating.
Academic/Knowledge: what to read, write and school/ courses to attend
Career: which area to improve, job, business
Relationship: with God and man.
Financial: what to earn and save.
Investment: what to invest in.
PHASES OF LIFE
The life of a human being can be divided into phases: Morning (preparation), afternoon (earning) and evening (enjoying). It can also be likened to the days of the week: 0-10 years (Monday); 11-20 years (Tuesday); 21-30 years (Wednesday); 31-40 years (Thursday); 41-50 (Friday); 51-60 (Saturday); and 61-70+ (Sunday).
Phases of life can also be divided into three:
Learning phase – 0-25 years
Earning phase- 26-50 years
Retirement/Enjoyment phase: 51-75+
The focus, interest and emphasis in each phase should be different.
WHY DO PEOPLE FAIL TO MAKE PROGRESS IN LIFE
Wrong Foundation, Faulty Socialisation and Wrong Priorities: Many people do not understand the purpose of their lives. They live aimlessly and are socialize poorly with focus on materialism and they have wrong priorities for life.
Matt 6: 19-21, 33.-Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Lack of faith, fear and doubt: Many people do not make effort to make progress because they are afraid of failure, do not trust themselves and do not trust God’s promises.
Heb 11:6- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)
God’s promises sound like stories to them.
Sin, Disobedience and Bad habits: Some people are entangled with sin which hinders them. Others know what to do to make progress but refuses to do the needful. Some are held back by bad habits- drinking, smoking, adultery, fornication, clubbing, gossip.
Lack of perseverance and staying power: Some people give up easily before the time of their miracle. There is time for everything.
Failure to seek and follow God’s path: God has a plan for everyone and created a pathway.
Jer 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (KJV)
Prov 3: 5-6- 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)
It is your responsibility to discover the plan God has for you and follow the path He has created for you.
WHAT TO DO TO MAKE PROGRESS
Seek God first: Matt 6: 33- 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)
Trust in God Prov 3: 5-6
Obey God’s word James 1:22- 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (KJV)
Pray continually 1 Thess 5: 16-18-16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Seek wisdom Prov 4:7 – The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding. (NIV
Persevere Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)
Serve others Mark 10: 45- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
CHALLEGE
Do you want to make progress in life? Are there challenges frustrating your desire to make progress? Are you willing to do what is required to make progress?
CONCLUSION
God wants you to make progress in life. The Almighty God has design plan for you to make progress. He has also created a path for your progress. As you seek God first, trust in Him, obey His word, pray continually, seek wisdom, persevere and serve others, you will definitely make progress in Jesus’ name.
PRAYERS
Father, help me to grow in every aspect of my life.