January 16, 2020
Everybody wants to be successful. Thousands of books have been written and bought by people hungry to prosper in their endeavors. The dictionary describes success as “the favorable or desired outcome.” Who would not want success as a man or woman, husband or wife, parent, ministry leader, business person?
But is there a recognizable, simple path and who is the real author of success?
AN ANCIENT ILLUSTRATION
Abraham, the father of our faith, desired to find a wife for his only son, Isaac. He charged his servant to go back to Abraham’s native land to find this wife. This was a risky, daunting, and seemingly impossible task for this servant. A needle in a haystack. There were a million ways this could go wrong.
The wise leader did what was necessary to be successful. He prayed. And his prayer brought God into the equation.
“O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.” (Genesis 24:12)
Through an amazing set of God-designed circumstances, the servant found the exact mate that Isaac needed in a distant land. It was a miracle. He was successful.
A CURRENT PATTERN
You should read the full account in Genesis, Chapter 24. But notice what the servant did.
Then the man bowed low and worshiped the LORD. He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master; as for me, the LORD has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.” (Genesis 22:26-27)
The wise writer of Proverbs would state it this way:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him (i.e., bring Him into the equation) and He will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6, parenthesis mine)
Do you desire to be successful in your daily living? Raising your family? Your work? Your whole life? The formula is simple. You don’t need another book beside the Bible. God is waiting to grant success to every man or woman who will look to Him unselfishly and give Him all the glory.
Lord, I pray that my life would be successful for Your glory so that You could be seen as the great God You are. Help me to pray without ceasing—to cry out to You today about every single thing. Give me grace to listen and follow Your leadership. And make me careful to bow low and worship when you have blessed the work of my hands, giving You all the glory!
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?