Stepping into the next level
(From Faith to Faith, From Glory to Glory)
Main Scripture: Romans 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”
The Bible says, “from faith to faith.” This means that faith is not a one-time experience. God takes us from one level of faith to another.
1. BUILD THE RIGHT INFLUENCE
Influence is the ability to affect people through your character, words, actions, and example.
John C. Maxwell famously says, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.”
Proverbs 13:20 says: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Stop speaking constantly about what you cannot do. Begin speaking about what God can do through you.
You cannot consistently speak defeat and expect to walk in victory.
If you want to move to the next level, surround yourself with people who strengthen your faith, challenge your thinking, and encourage your growth.
2. DEVELOP WHAT GOD HAS PUT IN YOU, DEVELOP YOUR SKILL
Faith does not cancel the need for preparation. God can open a door, but you need the skills to walk through it.
Proverbs 22:29 says: “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings.”
Sometimes moving to the next level means admitting: “I don't know everything.”
Don't pray only for opportunity—prepare for opportunity.
3. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, KNOW YOUR TARGET
You cannot successfully move to the next level if you don't know what the next level looks like.
Habakkuk 2:2 says: “Write the vision and make it plain.”
If you have no destination, every road appears appropriate.
A person without a target can easily be distracted.
Everybody's opinion becomes important because you have no clear direction.
Nehemiah had a vision to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. When opposition came, he refused to abandon the assignment.
Nehemiah 6:3: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
4. BE FAITHFUL IN WHAT YOU DO, WORK ETHICS
Moving to the next level requires discipline. Colossians 3:23 says: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
A kingdom-minded person understands that faithfulness is worship.
Joseph demonstrated excellence wherever he was:
His location changed, but his work ethic did not.
Luke 16:10 teaches that whoever is faithful in little will also be faithful in much.
Don't wait for a bigger platform to become faithful. Be faithful where you are now.
5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT, BE CREATIVE
God did not create you to be a copy. There is something unique about you.
Your experiences, gifts, ideas, personality, and calling are different.
Creativity means looking at a problem and asking: “Is there another way?”
Sometimes your next level is waiting for you to change the way you think.
Romans 12:2 says: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Your next level may require a new mindset.
6. YOU CANNOT REACH THE NEXT LEVEL WITHOUT FAITH
This is the foundation of everything. Romans 1:17: “The just shall live by faith.”
And Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Faith is believing God before you see the evidence.
There will be moments when you are working but don't see results.
Faith keeps moving when circumstances say, “Stop.”
Abraham left his country without knowing exactly where he was going.
Peter stepped out of the boat because Jesus said, “Come.”
7. DON'T MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITHOUT GOD
There is a danger in pursuing success without God's presence.
You can gain money and lose peace. You can gain position and lose your family.
Mark 8:36 asks: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Moses understood this. Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
THE NEXT LEVEL REQUIRES NEXT-LEVEL FAITH
You cannot expect a new level while maintaining the same mindset, habits, relationships, and excuses. God may be saying: “It is time to move.”
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
