Godly success vs worldly success
I put myself out there in a big way. Completely vulnerable, honest, and opening myself up for rejection. And it took a lot of courage. Courage or ignorance, one or the other.
A few days in, the enemy began whispering discouragement, “See, you’re really not good at this. You’ve made a grave mistake. Did you really think this would be a success? Are you sure this is what you’re called to do because it sure doesn’t look like it right now.”
It was hard not to agree with him. From the numbers I saw and the research I had studied, it didn’t appear that I was very successful. At least, not by human metrics anyway.
Joshua had been called up as the new leader of God’s people, following in the footsteps of Moses, and was tasked with leading God’s people into the Promised Land. One of the very first missions given to Joshua was to conquer Jericho. This was a fortified city, and based on appearances alone, it did not look as if the Israelites would succeed in their mission.
They marched around the city for six days. That’s it. Just marching. No battle cries or threats were made. Each day they woke up to do the same thing over and over and over again until day 7. Day 7 arrived and as they finished their seventh round of marching, the priests blew horns, the Israelites shouted, and the walls came crumbling down.
Worldly success is not the same as Godly success. God works and moves in ways we can’t fathom, using measures of His own.
When Joshua became the leader of the Israelites, God commanded him, “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. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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.” (Joshua 1:7-8)
Did you catch that? The success was measured in different terms. Not in numbers, power, currency, position, or followers. They would find success in God’s eyes by knowing His word and obeying it. He would take care of the rest of the details as He saw fit because the real success belonged to Him.
What has God called you to? Do you feel unsuccessful in this task? Could it be that you’re looking for success through the eyes of the world rather than the eyes of God?
Don’t allow the enemy to discourage your progress forward, even if it’s small steps rather than leaps and bounds. If you are holding to and obeying God’s word, trusting in His promises, and relying on Him, He will bring about success in His way. So keep marching, my friend, and anticipate what God will do!
