The God Factor: Why Diligence Alone Is Not Enough

How True Success Is Secured by Skill Anchored in Divine Dependence

In the first part of this post, The Pathway of Diligence: How Excellence Opens Doors to Divine Appointments, we explored the power of diligence — the critical importance of developing mastery, working hard, and showing up prepared. Diligence is not only admirable; it is biblical. Scripture does not shy away from commending hard work

But here lies a sobering truth: as essential as diligence is, it is never enough by itself. There is a dimension to success that cannot be earned, only received — and that is the help of God.

This is where many lose their way. After years of hard work and some measure of success, there is sometimes a quiet, creeping shift — a movement from divine dependence to pride and self-sufficiency. From giving God glory to thinking, “I made this happen.”

Scripture is full of warnings about this very temptation.

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...” — Ecclesiastes 9:11

“…For by strength shall no man prevail.” — 1 Samuel 2:9

Let us explore this theme further based on biblical accounts.

Gideon: When Less Became More

Gideon was about to go to war against the Midianites with over 30,000 men. But God had other plans. He reduced the army drastically, finally leaving Gideon with just 300 men. Why?

“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, saying, “My own strength has saved me.”’” — Judges 7:2

God intentionally weakened Gideon’s military advantage — not to harm him, but to protect his heart from pride. The victory that followed was miraculous, leaving no room for self-glory. This remains a sobering lesson: when success becomes a platform for self-congratulation, it ceases to honour God.

The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh: Initially Dependent but Later Changed

In 1 Chronicles 5:18–20, the Bible describes the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as “valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war.” These were no amateurs—they were professionals, trained and battle-hardened. But when the time of war came, they did not rely on their military strength alone. The Bible says:

“…they cried to God in the battle, and He was entreated of them; because they put their trust in Him.” (v. 20)

They understood the secret: bring your best, but never trust in your best. God honoured their dependence and delivered the enemy into their hands.

Sadly, their story does not end there. When they later turned away from God and began to trust in idols, their divine partnership with God ended, and they became vulnerable. The king of Assyria invaded, and they were carried off into captivity (1 Chronicles 5:26).

Uzziah: Helped Until He Forgot

King Uzziah began well. He sought God, built a powerful army, and achieved technological and military success. Scripture says:

“…His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful.” —2 Chronicles 26:15

God was his strength and greatly expanded his influence. But then — the shift. When he became strong, his heart was lifted up. He overstepped his boundaries, entered the temple to perform priestly duties, and was struck with leprosy. The man who was once marvellously helped was now marvellously humbled.

The tragedy of Uzziah is not in his failure, but in forgetting the One who made his success possible.

Samson: Strength Without Wisdom

Samson had supernatural strength — a man feared by armies and capable of defeating enemies singlehandedly. Yet he fell, not for lack of might, but for lack of reverence. He misused the gift, ignored warning signs, and trusted in his own power until it was gone. Only at the end, blinded and bound, did he remember the true Source of his strength:

“Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more…” — Judges 16:28

Even the strongest fall when they forget God. But the repentant heart still finds mercy.

Nebuchadnezzar: Brought Low to Look Up

A similar narrative is seen in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar. Though a Gentile king, God used him greatly, but he went on to take sole credit for his accomplishments:

“Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” — Daniel 4:30

Immediately, he lost his mind and lived like a beast. When he eventually acknowledged and honoured God, his kingdom was restored.

This story teaches that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

The Proverbs 31 Woman: Diligence Crowned with Reverence

Few biblical figures portray diligence as comprehensively as the Proverbs 31 woman. Her industriousness is unmatched. But Scripture does not end with her efficiency. It ends with her faith:

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30

It is not only her work that earns honour — it is her worship. Her success is rooted in reverence, not just resilience.

Paul: Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

The Apostle Paul, despite his intellect, education, and apostolic authority, taught a radically different definition of strength, the one that is derived from God:

“…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Dependence is not a flaw in the believer’s life — it is the secret of our strength. When we appear too self-reliant, we declare, even if unknowingly, that we have no need for divine assistance. But Jesus clarified:

“…Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” — Luke 5:31–32

God helps those who acknowledge their need for Him. The moment we declare ourselves “well enough,” we exclude ourselves from the healing hand and grace of God.

Lesson From my Father

My father and I once purchased yams in a local market from a man he was very familiar with, who appeared to be experiencing hard times. On the way home, he explained to me that the man was his former classmate. He soberly noted that despite the man’s hard work over the years, life’s challenges had held him back. The difference between him, a University Professor and the yam seller was not hard work.

Hard work alone does not guarantee lasting success. The Covid-19 pandemic ruined the businesses of many diligent people. The predicted disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may see many diligent and hardworking people being laid off in some industries.

True success requires not just effort, but also God’s mercy and sustaining grace. The unseen hand of God still makes the difference.

Practical Lessons for Today

Here are some guardrails to help you remain grounded:

1. Master Your Craft
Like Bezalel, David, or the Proverbs 31 woman, pursue excellence in your field. Laziness is not spirituality.

2. Remain Dependent on God
Bring your skill to the table, but never anchor your trust in it. Pray for insight. Invite divine wisdom.

3. Stay Humble
The greatest threat to lasting success is hidden pride. Keep giving God the glory. Learn from Nebuchadnezzar. Avoid Uzziah’s error.

4. Pray for Divine Partnership
Ask God to breathe upon your work. His Spirit makes the difference between effort and impact.

Final Reflections: Mastery Must Be Aligned with Godly Dependence

We must never forget this foundational truth: Success is not a solo accomplishment. It is a divine partnership between your hands and God’s Spirit. David acknowledged this when he declared, “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (Psalm 18: 34) He further stated, “For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.” — Psalm 18:29

Let your diligence never lead to independence, and let your excellence never silence your prayers.

When we succeed — as we surely will — may we remember the true source of every victory: the God who still helps those who call on Him.