Proverbs 12:11 (NIV)

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Let’s break down this powerful verse:

Those Who

This opening is a strategic phrase to let us know this principle applies to everyone. It’s not that some get lucky and some don’t. It’s not that some get a big break and others don’t. It’s not that some get it easier and others don’t. It’s letting us know from the get-go that life is an equal playing field. The moment you start believing that success is somehow fixed is the moment you start limiting your potential. God has given us every ability we need to create the life He has called us to.

Work Their Land

What we get out of life is a direct result of what we put into it. If you think that success comes without work you will live your whole life wondering what happened. Coach Vince Lombardi said, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” It is our responsibility to work our land. No one can do it for us. Our land is the things that God has called us to. It’s our special and unique promise land so-to-speak. It’s the land of potential that God has waiting for us. The question you need to ask yourself is, “Are you faithfully working your land?” Step up to the plate and live with the responsibility that what happens in life is dependant upon your willingness to work your land.

Will Have

Here is the promise…when we work our land we will have. Not might have…not hopefully will have…we WILL have. You need to hold on to that promise. When you are faithful with the little God will bring the big. When you are faithful with what you have God will bring you more. In fact, He won’t bring you more until you have faithfully used what you already got. Don’t expect greater opportunity if you are not treating what you have as a great opportunity. Too many times we have our eyes focused on what we want and we miss what we have. If you work your land you will have, it’s all a matter of patience and endurance. Hang on to the promise.

Abundant Food

The promise isn’t just average. It’s not just ok…it’s abundant. It’s beyond what you can think or imagine. God doesn’t just take care of us so that we can survive, He takes care of us so that we can thrive. He will supply your every need and more. He is the God that blesses us beyond measure. He compounds our results by His power. In fact, the Apostle James said when we come to God we must come to Him believing He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Don’t live by a scarcity mindset, live by an abundance mindset. This isn’t greed, it’s grace. Grace doesn’t just cover our sins, it empowers us to live out everything God has called us to.

But

Here is the catch. If you don’t work your land don’t expect abundant food. We reap what we sow. If you are sowing laziness you will reap nothing. This promise of having abundant food is conditional. You can’t hope to be blessed by God if you are not living the life He has called you to. Salvation is a free gift by faith through grace, but living out your potential is conditional. Get your big but out of the way…meaning get your excuses out of the way. I would do this…but. I would start giving more…but. I would serve…but. Be intentional about your potential.

Those Who Chase Fantasies

Fantasies are the things that we want but aren’t willing to work for. When we chase after more without being faithful with what we have it’s disastrous. There are many people who want something but aren’t willing to pay the price for it. Everyone knows how to lose weight, but few actually do what is necessary to eat right and exercise. Everyone knows how to save money, but few deny themselves immediate gratification for future opportunities. Everyone knows how to be more courageous, but few step out of their familiar comforts. Don’t be one who expects something without paying the price to get it. Be willing to do what it takes to live life to the fullest, no matter what.

Have No Sense

Senseless pursuits result in lost potential. Going after what you aren’t willing to sacrifice for is pointless. Don’t waste your life by senseless wandering. God has too much in store for your life for you to waste it away. There is too much at stake when it comes to your destiny. Not only do you miss out, but the world misses out on who you were called to be. Someone, somewhere needs you to be who God has called you to be. If not for yourself, become who God called you to be for someone else. The goal of life is to live full and die empty, not live empty and die full of unused possibilities. Lay it all on the line.