What steps can we take to ensure timely completion of God-given tasks? The Verse in View “By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, the priests had not repaired the damage to the house.” (2 Kings 12:6) Recognize the Danger of Delay • Two decades passed, and nothing had changed. • God’s house still lay in disrepair, worship was hindered, and testimony was weakened. • Delay in God-assigned work always carries spiritual cost (cf. Haggai 1:2-4). Step 1: Start with Clear God-Given Instructions • Joash’s charge to the priests was unmistakable: “repair the damage” (2 Kings 12:5). • Write down what God has shown you (Habakkuk 2:2). • Pray over it until the assignment is settled in your heart. Step 2: Assign Accountable Leadership • Joash confronted the priests: “Why are you not repairing…?” (2 Kings 12:7). • Accountability turns good intentions into action. • Luke 12:42-44—faithful stewards are “doing” when the Master returns. Step 3: Set Measurable Milestones • Joash instituted a new system: funds collected, workmen paid, progress reviewed (2 Kings 12:9-12). • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5—vows should be paid “without delay.” • Break the task into achievable, time-stamped goals. Step 4: Provide Adequate Resources • Money from offerings was redirected to the project. • Proverbs 3:9-10—honor the Lord with firstfruits so His work never lacks. • Budget, gather tools, and remove resource barriers before they stall momentum. Step 5: Keep the Heart Motivated by Worship • The temple mattered because God’s presence dwelt there. • Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” • Regularly remind yourself and your team whom the work ultimately serves. Step 6: Redeem the Time • Ephesians 5:15-16—“making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” • Schedule dedicated blocks for the task. • Guard against distractions and lesser commitments. Step 7: Act Immediately When Correction Is Needed • Once delay was exposed, Joash changed the system that allowed it. • James 4:17—knowing the right thing and failing to do it is sin. • When progress stalls, adjust quickly: change methods, seek counsel, or re-allocate resources. Putting It All Together Clear instructions, accountable leadership, measurable milestones, adequate resources, worship-driven motivation, wise time management, and prompt course correction work together to keep God-given assignments on track. Move forward today so the testimony of 2 Kings 12:6 is never written over your own calling. |
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