Opening Scripture: Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 

Chasing after worldly desires instead of godliness will always lead us into trouble. Scripture warns us of this repeatedly, showing us the consequences of prioritizing human ambitions over God’s will. Consider King Solomon, a man blessed with wisdom and wealth beyond measure. In 1 Kings 10:14 and 2 Chronicles 9:13, we read about his immense riches—666 talents of gold annually, a fortune that symbolized his earthly success. Yet, despite his God-given wisdom, Solomon’s heart was led astray as he pursued false gods and worldly pleasures (1 Kings 11:4-6). His divided loyalty pulled him away from the true and living God, and his life became a cautionary tale of what happens when we fail to put God first. 

The call of Matthew 6:33 is clear: our primary ambition should not be material possessions, status, or fleeting pleasures, but the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we align our hearts with this priority, God promises to provide for our needs with covenant faithfulness—“all these things shall be added to you.” This is not a suggestion but a divine principle that sets the foundation for a life of purpose, provision, and miracles. 

The Pathway of Miracles: Prioritizing God’s Will

Putting God’s Kingdom first is the first step on the pathway to experiencing His miracles. You cannot walk this path unless you are determined to seek His will, purpose, and glory above all else. As you pursue the call God has placed on your life, anchor yourself in these two practices: 

Turn to His Word as Your Guide

The Bible is the atmosphere in which we understand God’s will, recognize His ways, and hear the voice of His Spirit. Psalm 119:17-18 (NKJV) reminds us, “Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we position ourselves to discern God’s direction and experience His wondrous works. The Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), illuminating the steps we must take to live for Him. 

Listen for the Still, Small Voice

God often speaks not in the dramatic displays of power we might expect—the great wind, earthquake, or fire—but in the “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13, NKJV). In this passage, the prophet Elijah encountered God on Mount Horeb. After witnessing a mighty wind, an earthquake, and a fire, it was in the gentle whisper that God’s presence was revealed. This teaches us to pay attention to the small, seemingly insignificant signs along our journey. Often, it is these quiet moments— a nudge in your spirit, a timely word from a friend, or a subtle opportunity—that shape our destiny.

Biblical Examples of Putting God First

Scripture is filled with examples of those who prioritized God and saw His miraculous provision. Take Abraham, who obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and go to a place he did not know (Genesis 12:1-4). Because he put God first, he became the father of many nations, and God fulfilled His promise to bless him abundantly. Similarly, in the New Testament, the disciples left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:19-20). Their obedience led them to witness the miracles of Christ and become foundational leaders in the early church. 

Contrast this with the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. When Jesus invited him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, the young man walked away sorrowful because he could not let go of his wealth. His refusal to put God first kept him from the eternal treasures of the Kingdom. 

Practical Steps to Live for God

Living for God requires intentional choices every day. Here are a few practical ways to put Him first: 

Start Your Day with Prayer and Scripture: Before the demands of the day take over, dedicate time to seek God’s guidance. Jesus modeled this in Mark 1:35, rising early to pray and commune with the Father. 

Examine Your Priorities: Reflect on what consumes your time, energy, and thoughts. Are you chasing “human things” like Solomon did, or are you seeking God’s Kingdom? Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) instructs us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

Trust God with Your Needs: Matthew 6:33 isn’t just a command—it’s a promise. When we prioritize God, He takes care of the rest. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) assures us, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

A Call to Action

Commit to putting God first in every area of our lives. Let’s ask ourselves: What “false gods” are we chasing? Are we seeking His Kingdom above all else? Spend a few moments in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you need to realign your priorities. Then, as a group, let’s share how we’ve seen God provide when we’ve chosen to trust Him fully. 

For those reading this as a blog post, I encourage you to take this challenge into your week. Write down one way you can put God first—whether it’s dedicating more time to prayer, serving others, or trusting Him with a specific need—and watch how He moves in your life. 

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of Matthew 6:33—that as we seek Your Kingdom and righteousness first, You will provide for our every need. Help us to turn away from the distractions of this world and fix our eyes on You. Speak to us through Your Word and Your still, small voice, guiding us on the pathway of miracles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.