Often, we give the enemy too much credit. We think if we’re not seeing promotions or fruitfulness in our lives, then the devil is busy at work to make us unproductive…but God would never give him that kind of authority. In fact, Scripture makes it plain: if you lack the capacity to manage what you have, it’s God, not the devil, who won’t allow growth.

In Genesis 2:4-6, we see God’s intentions for creation. Although He planned for shrubs and herbs to cover the Earth, they couldn’t grow because He hadn’t yet released rain. And it couldn’t rain because He hadn’t created someone to till and manage the ground. Without man to cultivate the plant life, the Earth would have become wild and untamed. Our lives are no different – we can pray and plead with God for increase, but He won’t give it to us without an ability to effectively handle what we already have.

He watches how you choose to deal with the opportunities He sends your way, even in your money. An important key to financial freedom is management. If you find that you’re constantly struggling in your finances, take an honest look at how well you’re handling the resources that God has already given you. The conclusion will be simple – you don’t have a money problem, you have an issue with management.

This principle doesn’t just hold true for your finances. You can apply it to every area of your life. What about your health? Are you making responsible choices with the body God has given you? Or, try measuring the state of your career. If you’re making a daily decision to put forth your best effort at work, no matter how meaningless the task, God will ensure that you’re next line for advancement. He’s faithful to bless you with more if you’re diligent over the little you’ve got right now.

God has created a beautiful plan for your life. However, it’s up to you to participate in His plan, His way. He’s given you the ability to choose how you view what you have. And your perspective matters. You get to decide if you’ll complain about what you don’t have or be grateful for what’s in front of you and set your hands to making it grow. Today, make the choice to be a good manager of your life, because what you manage well, our Father promises to multiply.