Success

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. Prov 16:13

Book, magazine, and internet articles abound with formulas for success. They have been around for many years, as long as we have a desire to succeed, they’re here to stay. Most of us have a history of experimenting with many of these “formulas for success”. If you are anything like me, you’ve also learned that inherent in most of these 1,2,3 approaches in life comes a disappointing end. The profit didn’t result, the weight wasn’t lost, the marriage wasn’t better, and even the dog didn’t become fully obedient.

The question we have the privilege of asking today is this: If formulas for success have been around for a long time, and determined to stay, is there one formula that stands out, really works, and is the best to choose? May I suggest there is…and it’s not found in lucky or fateful things, but in the substance of eternal faith and hope.

As our source of authority, why not consider the first hot publication off a printing press, and concurrently the best seller of all time? That’s right… the book of ultimate wisdom, the Bible. Take a peek in Hebrews Chapter 6 and please read verse 11. It says “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.” If that is not our belief, then with all due respect, there is no need to read further because luck or fate comes by default. If, however, it applies to us, or we desire that condition, then let’s turn to the Book of Ephesians, Chapter 1. It is here where God’s amazing formula for success resides. Verses 18-19 says by faith, 1. We can operate in a Godly influenced way. 2. We can know our pre-ordained “career path” or purpose and destiny in our service to His will and 3. By the power of His Holy Spirit, we can persevere, endure, overcome, and succeed.

Formulas for success may seem good or even great. Will we settle for a good idea or even a great one, when a Godly one is available? Will we settle for a temporal curriculum of success, accomplishment, and achievement or will we open our hearts to everlasting fulfillment, satisfaction, and peace? Our choice to read, meditate, and trust God’s “formula for success” in the Book of Ephesians endures far beyond the best efforts of any secular book or people-oriented magazines that offer courses that come often, yet destined to fade. What’s amazing is that God’s inspiring formula opportunity was, is, and always will remain…… hot off the press!

1 Kings 2:3; Phil 4:13; James 1:5; Matthew 6:32-33; Psalm 57:2; Josh 1:8