Accomplishment

<<achievement, completion>>

God is the God of activity and accomplishment. He said to the Israelites, “I will do...” and He keeps His promises (Ex 34:10; Num 23:19). What the Lord said will be accomplished – "My word will achieve what what I desire" (Isa 46:10, 55:11; Lk 1:45; Eph 1:11). Not one word was left undone (Josh 11:15). Am I that conscientious in doing what I am instructed to do or said I will do?

God raised up wicked king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to bring judgment on Judah for their repeated idolatry and later used the Assyrians to accomplish the same purpose (2 Kgs 20:17,18; Isa 10:5-8; Hab 1:5-11). God said the king will not know it is I who sent him, he will merely consider it part of his own plan to conquer the world. Pilate was instrumental in Jesus being crucified – all taking place exactly according to God's plan to purchase our salvation (Prov 21:1; Jn 19:8-11; Act 2:22,23, 4:28).

Accomplishment begins with a vision, while also understanding that attempting a venture has the possibility of failure. Have a clear view of your strengths and weaknesses with a total dependence on the Lord, as you are being obedient to His call. A wise strategy is to set in place a series of steps and intermediately goals to achieve the overall objective along with safeguards and the input of others. As these smaller achievements are reached this gives a morale boost. Be optimistic yet also realistic in what you attempt; the time and expenses of a venture often exceeds what is originally envisioned. Have a positive – ‘I can do’ attitude. Prepare for accomplishing by developing your gifts, learn and gather information in the chosen field, volunteering to undertake tasks knowing that experience and achievements of the past help pave the way for greater exploits in the future. If I prepare myself, the opportunity may possibly present itself (Prov 18:6). It’s often relatively easy with enthusiasm to get a project underway but it requires sustained effort to see it to completion; our lasting accomplishments in the kingdom of God are in proportion to our relationship to God and doing things His way (Eccl 7:8; Jn 15:1-8; 1 Cor 3:10-15). Accomplishment results from action – not just dreaming about it.

What we do should be an extension of what Jesus would do for it is through Him that the divine plan is becoming reality (Mt 28:19,20; Jn 14:12; Eph 3:10,11). Be sure that God receives the credit because He gives the ability and will not share His glory with anyone

Work with God on His projects

else (Deut 8:18; Isa 42:8; Rom 15:17-19). We need to do our part (planting and tending the seed) yet its only God who can bring about the harvest (Mk 16:20; 1 Cor 3:6-8; 2 Cor 6:1; Heb 13:21). Be available for God to work through you as a channel for Him to touch humanity (Eph 3:20; Phil 2:13).

Don’t let fears of failure, past mistakes or criticism from others prevent you from advancing and doing what God wants. Stewardship is doing what He has called us to do with the ability and resources available, knowing we will be rewarded for what we have done (1 Sam 26:23; 2 Sam 22:21,25; Ps 62:12; Jer 32:19; Mt 25:14-30). Spiritually mature people are not threatened by the abilities and accomplishments of others; rather they rejoice with them in their success. Paul writes, “Let us not become competitive, envying and jealous of one another” (Gal 5:26). Instead may we be like Jesus, who said, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (Jn 17:4). Notice Jesus did what the Father instructed Him to do, rather than acting independently. We must see where God is working and work with Him, not just for Him. “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). “We can certainly do it” was Caleb’s response to what God’s plan for the Israelites was (Num 13:30). However, the opinion of the majority, because of unbelief in the Word of God coupled with an over-emphasis and wrong estimation of the obstacles, prevented this from taking place. Faith sees the possibilities and acts.

We can’t work or earn our way to heaven, yet we should work on our way there. Doing good works is to be distinctive of believers (Mt 5:16; Eph 2:10; Tit 2:7,14, 3:8). Our own spiritual life and walk with the Lord should not suffer because of our activity, which should bear fruit by accomplishing something of value – not just be frantic busyness,

Pray as if it depends on God, but act as if it all depends on you

which leaves us drained and a poor witness for Christ. What we do should be done under the Lord’s direction, in response to the Spirits leading (which
will be in complete harmony with the Bible); this is in contrast to what is motivated by our human desires (the flesh). “Whatever you do, do all for the

glory of God…Work at it with all your might, as working for the Lord, not for men” (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23).

We all have strengths where we can achieve without a great deal of emotional turmoil and seeming effort yet also weaker areas that we are not comfortable in, and any victory is the result of a hard fought battle. Most of our efforts should be directed to the areas where we are most productive.