The secret of success

Success.  All of us want it.  At least, I don’t know anyone who starts out by saying, “It’s my goal to fail!”

But while everyone wants it, it can be an elusive thing.  People have written entire books to show others how to achieve success.

But here, God shows us what it takes to achieve true success in our lives.

For many people, it’s a matter of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps and making things happen.  But God has a different perspective.

He told Joshua,

“I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and courageous….

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-9)

What is God’s key to success?

Rely on Him, not yourself.  Rely on his strength.  Rely on his wisdom.  Not your own.  He told Joshua, “I will be with you, so be strong and courageous.  Don’t be terrified.  Don’t be discouraged.  I will be with you wherever you go.”

So often, we try to gain success using our own wisdom and strength alone.  And because of that, when we see a task or a problem that seems bigger than we are, we start to panic.

But God tells us.  “I am here.  I’m on your side.  So put your trust in me.  You don’t have to be afraid.  You don’t have to be discouraged when things go wrong. I’m with you.  Just keep walking with me.”

God also told Joshua, “Don’t rely on your own wisdom.  Rather, meditate on my words and my ways.  Think about them throughout the day.  And obey.  If you do that, then you will be prosperous and successful.”

How often do we fail because we’re doing things in our own wisdom and strength.  Joshua would certainly find that out later when dealing with Ai.

Solomon certainly knew the secret of success.  He wrote,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.  (Proverbs 3:5-7)

How are you seeking success in your life?