Success (part 3)

The world’s view of what it means to be successful is different than the view that many Christian’s have. While non-believers may focus on material possessions, worldly achievements and physical beauty, men and women of God are called to live their lives in a different way. While some believers may disagree, I personally don’t think that there is anything wrong with attainting luxurious things in this life and enjoying the fruits of your labor. However, these things should be far from our main focus in life because they will eventually pass away. The Bible urges us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).” Our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus and God’s will, because only in Him will we be able to possess true joy, peace and contentment.

In order to have a successful life where we fulfill our true calling, we need to be willing to take certain steps to get there. First, you must make the decision to give your life to Christ. This is the most important decision that you will ever make. Jesus is the Way to forgiveness and eternal life, and only through Him are we able to have access to God (John 14:6). When we give our lives to Christ something beautiful takes place. We are immediately adopted into God’s family, where we become God’s sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). We become new creations in Him, and God gives us a clean slate and a fresh start.

After you give your life to Jesus, you must choose to follow Him. Believing in and following Jesus are not the same thing. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).” In order to be a true follower of the Lord, you have to be willing to obey His commands and live your life for Him. When you do this, your life will change dramatically, without a doubt. It will not be an easy transition to make. I don’t say this to discourage you, but I believe it’s important to be honest about genuine conversion. You may have to let go of ungodly relationships, a job or career that doesn’t please the Lord, bad habits, old behaviors, and so on. You will be tempted to sin and you might be tempted to give up, but stand firm and stay in faith, because God is with you and will never give you more than you can handle (Corinthians 10:13).
Next, open your heart to hear God’s voice. This is an important step to take, if we want to have a successful life where we fulfill our true calling. Prayer is very important, but we have to keep in mind that prayer is a two way street. God wants to speak to us and reveal His will and plan to us. Not to mention that God wants to encourage us, comfort us, guide us, admonish us, and communicate with us. Take time each day to listen to God’s voice. Keep in mind, as well, that God sometimes speaks through others in our lives. Be open to advice from godly men and women in your life. They just might confirm something God has already told you. Also, if you want to know what direction you should take in your life, then I strongly recommend getting away from distractions and taking time out to fast and pray. Fasting has always opened me up to hearing God’s voice and knowing His will. Fasting also grows us up spiritually by humbling us and teaching us discipline. Don’t get me wrong, you can hear God’s voice anywhere, anytime, regardless if you are fasting or not, if you are open and willing to listen. However, if you want to open up more and be more connected to what God has to say, then consider fasting and praying for a period of time. You won’t regret it.

After you have given your life to Christ, chosen to follow Him, and opened your heart up to hearing God’s voice, the next step I recommend taking is to take action. It might sound simple, but sometimes stepping out in faith and taking actions to fulfill your calling in life can be hard and uncomfortable. What is God leading you to do? Where is God leading you to go? Maybe you are only making minor changes, or maybe you are making drastic changes, in order to fulfill God’s will and plan. Either way, take action! Make sure that you get outside of your comfort zone. Life with passion and purpose, and allow God to set you on fire for Him. In our walk with the Lord, we will always need to take action and step out in faith, as seasons in our lives come and go. What do you need to do in this season? It could be as simple as joining a church, getting involved in a Bible study, or making new, godly friends, or it could be as difficult as quitting your current job, getting out of a bad relationship, or traveling to a third world country? Whatever your situation is, take action and have faith!

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I felt in my heart that there was more to life than the job and the career that I had. I wanted to go deeper, and I knew that God wanted me to go deeper, because He had placed a special call on my life. After walking away from my job and choosing to use my career as a singer solely for God’s glory in the church, God moved me into a blessed season in my life where I met the man who is now my husband. During this time, God placed it on both of our hearts to move to Austin, Texas. Although neither of us knew why God was calling us to Austin, we stepped out in faith to follow His leading. Soon after we got married, we felt God calling us to mission work, where we took action by stepping out in faith once again. Recently we began our own local outreach ministry, and both of us serve in several areas of ministry at our church. Little did I know that I would one day be in full time ministry, living my life on fire for Jesus, but I cannot thank God enough for what He has done! If we had not moved to Austin we would not live in the beautiful hill country, we would not have met the people that we have met, we would not have joined the wonderful church where we serve, and we may not have been able to undertake other assignments and responsibilities that God has given us. Following God’s will and plan for your life will not only bring Him glory, it will bring you joy, peace, and contentment, and that is worth more than a fancy house, expensive clothes, or a luxury vehicle, isn’t it?

There are several steps that you can take, in order to be successful and fulfill your true calling. First, give your life to Christ. Second, truly follow Christ by obeying His commands. Third, open your heart and listen to God’s voice. Next, take actions necessary to live the life that God is calling you to live, no matter what you have to do. Taking these steps will help you to get on the path of your true calling. Continue reading tomorrow, in order to discover what else you can do, in order to be successful and fulfill your true calling.