SUCCESS

I Was Just Thinking About – SUCCESS.

Do you feel that you are a success or a failure? On what basis did you arrive at your personal conclusion? Have you compared yourself to acquaintances or peers for your evaluation? If so, do you believe you have abilities that are greater and superior to that which others have and tout? If you have abilities, who is responsible to recognize and develop them – you or your acquaintances and peers?

I know a man who has abilities and skills that are not fully recognized by others. His problem is that he harbors some of his past where he was told by a parent that he wasn’t wanted, that an attempt had been made to abort him, and that he would never amount to anything. He has lived with that past and has continued to have insecurities in the present. Scars can run deep. On what (or who) can he repair to for a sound judgment or evaluation of who he is or what he can do?

Anyone of us can refer to some who are listed in Hebrews 11 as heroes of faith. It is not recorded that some had insecurities and reluctance to pursue a direction the Lord was disclosing to them? Why? Because their past haunts them and the area of self-worth is remote.

As I was thinking about this subject, my mind went to Joshua 1. Moses had been the leader of God’s people and been used in dramatic and successful ways. But now, he was dead and Joshua was to assume the role of leader to take God’s people into the promised land. Could he do it? Would he be a success or a failure? Would the people respond to him positively or negatively? Would that – should any of that – matter to one whom the Lord desires to us for His purpose? No!

The assurance the Lord spoke was Joshua 1:5-8, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” In these words is instruction regarding the focus Joshua must have and maintain. He must not allow in his life and leadership any variation from the Law given by the Lord to Moses. If he is committed to that instruction he is assured of good success wherever he goes.

If we believe that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, do you believe this truth applies to you? Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) indicates: “Commit your actions (work) to the Lord, and your plans (work product) will succeed.” David gave a word from the Lord for his son, Solomon. I Kings 2:3 (NASB), “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.”

To Joshua, the Lord stated: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” To Solomon, David repeated: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” When God’s people were facing a superior military force, the Lord said to them, Second Chronicles 20:17 (NIV), “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."

When facing choices or difficult decisions, remember to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). One can find himself or herself in where making a choice is almost impossible. At such a time, one should rely upon the plan of God for one’s life which will always be for one’s good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). Andréa Crouch wrote composed the song that includes:

Jesus Is The Answer…

Above Him There's No Other...

If You Have Some Questions 

In The Corners Of Your Mind 

And Traces Of Discouragement

And Peace You Cannot Find

Reflections Of The Old Past,

They Seem To Face You Everyday

There's One Thing I Know For Sure...

Jesus Is The Answer – for He knows the way. 

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.