A Desire to Achieve

“And enlarge my territory…” – 1 Chronicles 4:10

Enlarge my territory. This is about achievement. Each of us has a desire to achieve, and we should bring that to God. Have you ever asked the Lord to enlarge your territory? The Apostle Paul did this repeatedly. In Ephesians 6:18 and following, after discussing spiritual warfare and the armor of God, he requests, “Pray for me that doors would be opened so that I can preach the gospel boldly.”

He prays in Colossians 4, asking God to open a door of ministry for him where he currently is not. He is asking, “Lord, expand my sphere of influence.” In 2 Corinthians 10:13-16, he's praying for an expansion of the work he's already doing, saying, “Lord, enlarge my borders and allow me to do more than I'm currently doing.”

May each of us embody the spirit of Caleb. Who were the two that entered the promised land because of their faith? It was Joshua and Caleb. They spent 40 years in the wilderness with the people of God, who had rejected God's promise of the promised land. Because of disobedience and unbelief, they did not enter, and so they wandered in the wilderness.

However, Joshua and Caleb were able to enter the promised land, and when Joshua leads the people into it, Caleb is not content with just that. In his old age, he points to a mountain filled with giants and declares, “Give me that mountain!” This is a desire to achieve.
We should each have ambitions in our respective fields - whether in our work environments, schools, or other aspects of life. Look for something you can achieve and sanctify that ambition by saying, “God, give me that mountain. Allow me to accomplish this this year.” However, God may respond by saying, “That’s not your lane,” or “That’s not your mountain.”

God told David, “That's not for you to accomplish.” He wanted to build a temple for God, but God told him, “David, you can't build the temple for me. You are a man of war; your son can build it for you.” However, God did honor David's desire by allowing him to raise all of the money and supplies needed for Solomon to build the temple. David had a worthy desire in his heart, and God respected that.

So, God might tell you, like David, that some things are meant for others to do, but He can still honor the requests that arise in your heart.

It is a worthy aspiration to say, “Lord, let me achieve more than I did last year. Bless me so that I can be a blessing to others. May I achieve and expand my territory.” What are you asking for? You’re seeking, “Lord, expand my influence. Allow me to make a greater impact in the lives of others.” We need more Christian people to rise up and increase our influence in the world for Jesus.

This could involve a business venture, a school opportunity, or job advancement. God may decline some requests, but I would hate to enter heaven only to hear God say, “I wish you had asked for more. I was willing to give it, but you didn’t trust me enough to ask.” This is a prayer of achievement.

Reflection Question: Where is God calling you to step out in faith and trust Him to expand your influence?

“Dear Lord, help me see the opportunities You have placed in front of me to serve You. Give me the courage to step out in faith and the wisdom to use everything You’ve entrusted to me for Your glory. May my life bring honor to You and draw others closer to Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”