The Pathway of Diligence: How Excellence Opens Doors to Divine Appointments

Lessons from David, Huram and Bezalel on the Power of Skill and Commitment

The Opportunity Few Are Ready For

We live in a generation that often prays for open doors, divine connections, sudden promotions, and supernatural breakthroughs. And yes, God opens doors that no man can shut. But what is sometimes overlooked is that before doors open, hands must work. Before opportunities arrive, skills must be sharpened, and mastery must be cultivated.

Diligence is the unseen currency that heaven and earth recognise. God honours the diligent.

Opportunities often do not knock randomly; they search for those who are prepared. They are attracted to excellence like pieces of iron to a magnet. And as we look into the Scriptures, we find a pattern — a divine blueprint — that underscores this truth. God places a premium on skill developed through discipline, practice, and unwavering commitment. He rewards diligence.

^“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3: 23 – 24)

Scripture repeatedly presents to us men and women who laboured, studied, practiced, and perfected their craft long before their defining moment came. It is in these hidden seasons that character is forged, and skill refined.

I have had moments in the course of my life when I considered applying for certain jobs that required mastery of certain languages, with a requirement to indicate the level of mastery – basic, intermediate, advanced or proficient. The highest level of language proficiency is when you can understand, read, write and speak the language fluently. Attaining this level especially when learning the language as an adult, requires great commitment, focus and sacrifice.

If we use this same standard to do a critical self-evaluation of our work or business pursuits, we can see the gaps that diligence can help us to close, even as we await divinely arranged opportunities.

David: Mastery in the Pasture

Before David ever stood before Goliath or ruled as king, he was known for something else entirely — his skill with the harp.

When King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit, his attendants knew exactly whom to recommend:

"One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player..." (1 Samuel 16:18)

David’s mastery was not an accident. In the solitude of the fields, while tending sheep, he perfected his music. He played not for applause, but as an offering to God. The wilderness became his classroom; his instrument, his tool of devotion.

When the king needed help, David's skill spoke for him. Diligence created visibility; visibility unlocked access.

Huram: Excellence in Craftsmanship

When Solomon resolved to build a magnificent temple for the Lord, he sought out the finest artisans and sent a message to King Hiram of Tyre:

“…send me at once a man skillful to work in gold and silver, in bronze and iron, in purple and crimson and blue, who has skill to engrave with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem….” (2 Chronicles 2:7)

King Hiram of Tyre sent him a man called Huram:

" And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, Huram my master craftsman … skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving and to accomplish any plan which may be given to him…" (2 Chronicles 2:13-14)

Huram's brilliance was not limited to one field. He was a master across multiple disciplines — metalwork, carpentry, stonework, textiles. Such breadth of skill comes only through long years of study, practice, and painstaking attention to detail.

This level of mastery qualified him to work on the temple — one of the most magnificent structures ever constructed. His work would stand for generations, because his hands were prepared when the divine assignment came.

Bezalel: Filled and Skilled

Long before the temple, God had given Moses instructions to build the tabernacle. But this was no ordinary construction project. It demanded precision and beauty fit for the dwelling of God Himself.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri…I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!” (Exodus 31:1-5)

The level of mastery described here was most likely preceded by many preparatory years during which Bezalel took intentional steps to harness key talents and abilities that God had endowed him with, somewhat similar to a naturally gifted sprinter who intentionally and diligently prepares to set a world record at the Olympic games.

He had developed his craft, and when the time came, God infused his skill with His Spirit. The Spirit of God does not bypass preparation — He magnifies it.

Many today pray for God’s empowerment but neglect personal preparation. Bezalel show us that God partners with those who bring both skill and submission.

The Foundational Principle: Diligence Opens Doors

Diligence is not random effort; it is focused, disciplined, and excellent work done consistently and intentionally over time. It is the refusal to offer God or man mediocrity. It invites opportunities, commands respect and creates access to realms beyond one’s natural reach.

Diligence is not optional for the believer. God calls us to be stewards of our gifts, to cultivate them fully, and to present our best.

Modern Echoes: The World Still Seeks Excellence

Even today, this principle remains unchanged. Employers seek individuals who have a track record of excellence, not just doing the bare minimum. Leaders search for problem-solvers who bring wisdom and skill. Opportunities gravitate toward those who have made themselves ready.

Can your current or former employer, client or customer describe you as a master of your craft, without any hesitation?

In God’s economy, diligence precedes elevation. The process of gaining mastery may appear tedious or time consuming but is a key preparatory step designed by God to not only elevate us but also sustain us following the elevation.

Practical Steps Towards Diligence

1. Identify Your Craft: Like David with his harp, or Bezalel with his craftsmanship, know where your gifting lies.

2. Commit to Mastery: Do not settle for being good enough. Become excellent like David, Huram and Bezalel. Excellence is rarely crowded because few pay the price.

3. Practise in Private and be Patient: David’s harp sounded in the fields long before it echoed in the palace. Develop your skill even when no audience watches. Opportunities often come suddenly, but they are usually the fruit of long, quiet preparation. As the Scout motto says, “Be Prepared.”

1. Remain Teachable: Huram’s versatility suggests a lifetime of learning multiple disciplines. Keep growing. David acknowledged in Psalm 18:34: “He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Despite defeating Goliath as a teenager, he remained teachable and gained vital skills to subdue his adversaries.

2. Pray for Divine Partnership: Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your skill and multiply your efforts. Diligence and divine favour create unstoppable excellence.

Key Takeaways

Diligence is mandatory and mastery is essential, but they must always be anchored in divine partnership.

God still looks for men and women who are diligent in their work — who prepare in obscurity and relentlessly pursue excellence in their area of calling. In the same way He elevated Joshua to lead the children of Israel after he had diligently served Moses and executed critical tasks with distinction, He sees your efforts and your heart and will create the pathway for your own elevation.

(To be Concluded)