God wants us to be successful. But He wants us to first pound the pavement in our spiritual lives. Making space and time for daily prayer and meditation in God’s Word means dedication to Him. It requires a passion for seeking a higher force—God’s will first in our lives. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8, Paul was a pavement-pounder. He wrote to encourage the young Thessalonian Christians, saying, “For you know how you should follow us. For we were not idle among you, neither did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but we worked tirelessly and toiled night and day that we might not be a burden to any of you.” The early Christians knew they had to work hard so the love and hope of Jesus might be made known to all.
You can also be an encouragement to others. Each day is an opportunity to meet someone, read or learn something that can make you and those around you stronger in relationship with God. Artists often become so intent on our own careers and struggles that we fail at seeing those around us. I believe that as we encourage and help open doors for others, God brings us joy within our own struggles. He teaches us how to see things outside ourselves, and when we do that, we flourish even when life is difficult. Work is turned to joy.
Are you willing to pound the pavement for what God wants in your life daily? God’s got plans laid out for you if you follow Him diligently, keeping your eyes open for those doors He’ll open. Or, as we say in Hollywood, “Action!”
