Let me begin by asking a question.
How many of us would like to live a successful life, a life not wasted,
but well-spent?
Of course, everyone
of us would like to be able to look back on our lives and see that we have lived
a successful life.
As humans, we sometimes measure success by what we can get or
what we can achieve. Throughout Scripture God is very clear about what pleases
Him and what He views as success. God measures success by obedience!
The Bible says in
1 Samuel 15:22 -". . .Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams." So how can we be successful in God's eyes?
First, we must have faith in Jesus as our Savior. We can never be
successful if we don't first have a relationship with the Lord.
We must also know that God's plan for
us is the best even if it seems difficult. We must trust God's wisdom for
our lives.
Second, We must obey what God has said in His Word, the Bible.
We must settle it in our hearts to obey God, even when we don't see results,
and leave the details to Him.
Third, we must never quit or give up! If we do, we rob ourselves
of the work that God is desiring to do in and
through us. We need to continue to serve and obey God even when we don't
see anything happening. It will be worth it all. It's never too late
in our lives to be a success in God's eyes.
"Dear Jesus,
Please help us to apply to our hearts and lives what we have read from your word.
Shine the light of your Holy Spirit on our hearts as we examine
our own lives.
Help us, Lord, to repent of anything that doesn't line up with
your word and your idea of success. Encourage and strengthen us as we choose to
walk down your path of obedience and faithfulness.
In Jesus' name, amen."
