There are several positive things that do not translate automatically to progress. Knowledge is one of them. There are many knowledgeable people who are making no marks. Desire is also good, but that also does not command automatic change. Let me illustrate this point with a personal story. Several years ago when God began to open ministry doors for me to French-speaking countries, I realized I missed a chance to learn French in school. I was one of many students who thought it a waste of time learning a foreign language. Today I know better. Then I wanted to make up for lost opportunities. In one of my trips I acquired Bible both written and audio in French. My intention was to learn as I listen and follow. More than twelve years after the acquisition, I am yet to listen to one chapter of the Bible in French. The problem is that I have not applied myself to the discipline. Now I know that having desire for a thing is not enough; we have to apply ourselves to the necessary discipline.
We can stretch this to other areas of life. For example, having a gym attached to your building is no guarantee of physical fitness. It is one thing to have the gym, it is another thing to use it. We are often quick to explain away our failure because of what we think is not available. Getting those things is no guarantee that we will do better. Paul took time to remind his son Timothy of the gifts that were bestowed on him by prophecy and other means. Those gifts were given by God to advance his calling and make him profitable. However, the profit would come if only he applied himself to those gifts. Whether in the natural or spiritual plane, gifts alone will not guarantee progress. What produces is what we give ourselves to.