Exodus 23:20 ‘Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.’

DAILY READING; • James 3; Jeremiah 25-26; Psalm 131

The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) was founded in 1951 in Los Angeles by Demos Shakarian.
Demos Shakarian believed that God was calling him to begin something new–bringing men together in hotels or restaurants to hear the Gospel and testimonies of other business men.
However his vision had a difficult beginning. Though a sizeable number of men turned up for the first meetings, but rather than grow, the attendance only diminished.
After fourteen months of meetings, thousands of miles of travel, phone calls, letters, “free breakfast” ads to entice men to attend, and a lot of efforts and energy, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship seemed dead.
Frustrated by his failure, on Friday, December 26th 1952, Demos decided to finally close down the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship by the next morning.
However before closing it, that night, he went before God in prayer. While on his knees, he had a divine encounter where God showed him that he was failing because he was not pursuing God’s divine purpose for the fellowship.
That night, Demos repented and wholly submitted to God’s leadership and guidance.
Surprisingly, the very next morning, a friend, who only a week ago had advised Demos to end FGBMFI, presented him with a huge cheque for the work. This friend told Demos that early that morning God had told him the fellowship would go around the world and that he was to donate the first money. Demos was in shock because for more than a year, all his efforts had not produced a single donation.
Then another man approached him and said God had asked him to make his printing press available to Demos for the work. This led to the beginning of the VOICE magazine which became a global tool of evangelism for the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship.
Just one day earlier, it had seemed clear that the Fellowship was finished, but as Demos handed full control over to God, a new thing began.
This miraculous turnaround eventually led to FGBMF spreading all over the world. And today it is a global force for the Gospel which is transforming many lives for Christ.

Indeed it takes God to execute every divine plan.
The reason for frustrations and stagnation in any pursuit is the attempt to execute a divine strategy with human energy.
We do not succeed by power or might, but only by the power of the Spirit.
To wander out of the course God has charted to pursue our own ways only leads to failure and a miserable life.
In our ministry, business, career, education, family, relationships etc, things will only work smoothly when God’s plan is followed.
Our progress in life depends on our obedience to God’s counsel. While there may be many thoughts in a man’s heart, only the counsel of the Lord shall stand. Only the Lord’s doing will be marvelous in our eyes and only that which He does abides forever.
Therefore in all our pursuits, we need to step back and let God take the lead. He is faithful to accomplish what He has said He would do.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 says ‘Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.’

Our careful planning, well-structured, meticulous organizing and financial investments mean nothing if God is not engaged in our pursuits.
It is His help and guidance that terminates frustration on our journey. When you are guided you cannot be grounded. When the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall not want and He will lead you to your green pastures.
Therefore the greatest asset in a believer’s life is engaging Divine presence, which is our guarantee of divine security and victory in the journey of destiny.

Psalm 114:3-8 tells us that during Israel’s journey to the promised land, it was God’s Presence that destroyed all obstacles on their path. The sea saw them and fled, Jordan was driven back, the mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

Indeed no force can stop or hinder a man who is being led by God. In Exodus 23:20, God says He will send His angel to keep us in the way, and to bring us into the place which He has prepared for us.
Certainly, there is a prepared place for us this year, but it will take divine grace and guidance to get there.
Therefore to successfully pursue God’s wonder agenda for us, we need to spiritually set ourselves to receive divine instructions.. This we do through taking the time to pray, fast, worship, praise, study the Word and listen to the Lord.
As we hear and obey what He is saying to us, surely every stagnation will be terminated and we will only experience miracles, signs and wonders in all our endeavors.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your divine guidance in my life. Please grant me the grace to always seek Your will in all my endeavors. I praise You for all Your doings in my life for I know that You are indeed turning me into a wonder to all in Jesus’ Name.

QUOTE :
God’s will is God’s bill, God always makes provision for His vision. – WORDBITE 222