Activity is the beginning of accomplishment. Dreaming is fun, but it’s not until we actually do something about those dreams that they have the potential to come to pass. James 2:17 talks about this when it says, “… faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” It’s always diligence to do what needs done that leads to reward.
The book of Proverbs gives us much insight into diligence. Chapter 12, verse 24 says, “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” Chapter 10, verse 4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
The story of Elisha is one of the best biblical examples of diligence. Elisha became one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history largely through his commitment to learning from his mentor, Elijah. 2 Kings 2 tells of the pair’s last journey together before God took Elijah to heaven. Each stop served as an important reminder to Elisha of the necessity of diligence.
Verse one tells us the trip began in Gilgal, which means circle. The city was named years earlier, in the time of Moses. After Moses died, Joshua took over the leadership of the Israelites and named the city to represent the new start.
Elisha was about to embark on a new start, too—one without his mentor. So beginning the journey in Gilgal reminded him he would need diligence from the beginning. It’s the same for us. At every new start, we must be diligent to depend on God to complete His will through us.
The next stop shows us we also need diligence in submitting to God. 2 Kings 2:2 says Elijah and Elisha made their way to Bethel, which means “House of God.” The House of God is where we’re taught how to walk with Him. After each new start, we must continually remain diligent in submitting to God. Instead of simply striving to do our best, we must humbly learn from God what is best, and commit to living His principles.
When we choose diligence both in our new start and in our continual submission to God, we gain two things—supernatural victory and supernatural destiny.
Elisha was reminded of the first in 2 Kings 2:4, at the pair’s next stop—Jericho—a historic place of supernatural victory for the Israelites. (Joshua 6) In the same way, when we choose diligence, God will lead us to victory we could never accomplish on our own.
2 Kings 2:6-9 shows us our diligence also brings about supernatural destiny. The last place Elisha and Elijah visited together was the Jordan River—a place that for generations had symbolized crossing over into destiny. (Joshua 3)
Friends, God has an impactful, fulfilling life for you! So today, I encourage you not just to dream, but also to embrace diligence for the journey He sets before you. Commit to Him at every new start, and serve Him with complete submission. Your victory and destiny await!
