Zig Ziglar - Life Promises for Leaders: Inspirational Scriptures and Devotional Thoughts

The L ORD answered... and said:

Write the vision

And make it plain on tablets,

That he may run who reads it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;

But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it.

Habakkuk 2:2-3

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Some of us wander from one thing to another our whole lives. Were capable of so much more, but we have never clarified our purpose in life. An out-of-focus purpose cant inspire us, but a crystal-clear lens on Gods purpose for us rivets our attention and gives us energy to keep going until we reach our goals.

While the prophet Habakkuk was in prayer, God told him to write down the vision He was giving him. We need to write our vision down in clear, compelling language so that it grips our hearts. A clearly written vision statement frees us from confusion so that we can run instead of wander, stumble, or go backward. A clear vision overcomes inertia and produces the inspiration to run toward our goals.

But the fulfillment of our vision is in His timing, not ours. Seldom does anyone move in a straight line from the conception of a dream to its fulfillment. Far more often, we experience ups and downs, delays and disappointments. These, though, wont stop us if we keep our eyes on our purpose and on the One who has given it to us.

Do you have a clear, compelling vision statement?

What would it (or does it) mean to you to have one?

Life Promises

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.... If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do.

Ephesians 6:7-8, NLT

Do Your Very Best

Sometimes, Gods desire for us is to do our very best even though we dont quite fit the job. When Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city, the place was in terrible shape. His job looked hopeless, but Nehemiah believed God could do the impossible. He rallied the people and put them to work carrying stones, framing doors, and defending one another from attacks.

In Nehemiahs story, we find people pitching in where they were needed. Uzziel was a master goldsmith, but when he was asked to carry huge rocks, he never complained. He just worked. And next to him, Hananiah carried stones too. This guys regular work was making perfume, not slinging mortar, swinging a hammer, or lugging rocks! But he worked hard next to the goldsmith.

Perhaps those around you complain when their work doesnt perfectly match their skills. Dont let their attitude poison you. Instead, roll up your sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Youll win the trust of your boss and the respect of your peersand you might even enjoy it!