God created us all to be winners. The key to True Success all starts with God first. Learn how to step out in faith and give up control all for His Glory.
It All Starts With God – The Key to True Success
Imagine for a moment on your daily afternoon walk you come across a beautiful oak tree; branches so full you wonder how they’re still attached.
Increasing warmth from the heat of the sun, you notice a cool patch of grass being shaded beneath this magnificent tree. In one quick step, you pivot to sit under this beautiful tree for a brief moment to cool off. As you take a deep breath in, you relish in the day’s quietness.
You ponder and dream about the possibilities of your life.
You whisper to God, questioning your current steps; rehashing old ones with new prospects. Then you think out loud; “Lord, will these steps lead ME to a brighter future?”
Plans will always be in constant doubt, but God’s grace is never changing.
You may think about getting married, buying a house, getting the degree you always wanted, or about a big promotion you have been looking forward to. Where ever your imagination takes you; you know — big changes can erupt from one step forward.
Did pro-activity inspire you to create a New Year’s resolution? Are you reaching for new obtainable goals or habits you want to accomplish in the coming year?
Such declarations planned in our minds enable us to be kinder people, healthier people, or wiser people.
Resolutions began…
The Babylonians conceived what is now called “New Year’s Resolutions” well over 4000 years ago. They devised promises to be on the “right” side of their gods at the beginning of a new year. A tradition that has changed hands and reasonings to what it has become today.
Resolutions are now promises we create to better ourselves and not to please others (gods).
The top New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, eat better, and stop procrastinating. According to this New York Post article, 80% of us will fail to reach our New Year’s Resolutions. Not proud to say I was part of this percentage (was being the keyword).
For the last two years, I went against the grain and stopped forcing myself to create goals. The actual truth of the matter is I learned my focus was wrong. All those goals I created were “me” centered.
I created them to better myself.
It was me wanting to be a better eater. It was me who wanted to stop being a procrastinator and to be a doer.
Let’s shift our perspective on the meaning of success.
Our success here on earth was birthed from a definition created by a secular society we think we much follow. “If I can just get this new position at work, I will be more successful.” “Once I earn my degree, I will be successful.”
“If I (fill in the blank) _________, I will be successful.”
Here is a lesson I learned.
God will not give me his strength and wisdom to complete my goals. He will, however, give me his strength and wisdom to complete His goals.
God wants to bless us with the desires of our hearts, but if our hearts are only seeking to fulfill our plans… failure is inevitable.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:24; “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
If you are building your focus on a solid surface such as a rock, it will hold. If you are building your focus on sand, it will fail. Just as the statics states, 80% of us will fail because we are building on a weak foundation. We may start with a weak foundation, but with God, we will become strong.
It is through His strength we can accomplish plans set out for His glory.
He is the ONE who will give you the will power to eat better. He is the ONE who will drive your passion to create more meaningful goals.
When God is backing your goals, failure is not an option. True success is assured.
Are you ready to succeed with great success?
It is time to slay your biggest giant. Yourself. We do not find true success within ourselves but within Him!
It is time to follow God’s guidance. His truth will inspire us to branch out and reach others. We need to stop being inwardly focused and outwardly focused. These actionable steps will help you put your faith into practice.
Surrender Your Life to God
Being a part of God’s family gives you an “inside track.” When you release yourself to Him, you are allowing Him to have full control. Just like a small child, we can walk in freedom from all our worries. As a child trusts his parents, we too must put all our trust in God.
“Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
We must follow Him. When we surrender, we are handing Him all our worries, stress, and control. We are handing Him the keys to our house build on the sand and in return; we get the keys to enter His Kingdom.
Standing on a solid surface.
Meditate on God’s Word
Reading the Bible and following God’s word will lead us to create meaningful, God-centered goals. Remember, scripture is God’s way of preparing you to create meaningful goals to be used for His glory. Rest in His word for today, be content.
As we focus our eyes one day at a time, it will prevent us from the worries of tomorrow.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34 NIV
Glorify God in All That You Do
When opportunities arise, think about how you will use them to glorify God. Remember, God created your earthly work to supply us with our every need. Take joy in knowing He will meet all our needs. Glorify Him in all aspects of your life.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17 NIV
Work is a daily opportunity for us to exercise our God-given gifts and talents. Use them to be a fisher of men.
Remember: Dreaming can be fun. In fact, a lot of our creativity comes from dreaming big. Dreaming can lead to ambition. And ambition comes from a passion or desire to experience something greater in your life. But do it all for God’s glory and not our own success.
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson
Going through a difficult situation? Want to read more? Read; Seeking God in Difficult Times – Trusting in His Faith
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
- 5 Astonishing Facts About God
- How Do Christians Recognize The Voice of God
Leave a Reply