Success in life does not just happen. At least, that’s true for most of us. The occasional news you hear about someone inheriting success is the exception and not the rule. With God on our side, we increase our chances of success in life. But even then, it’s not guaranteed. In order to succeed, we must boldly confront these three enemies of success:
A Lack of Preparation
Some Christians think that having the Lord on their side negates the need for adequate preparation. I have even heard a couple of TV preachers make light of other preachers who faithfully prepare sermons. They argue that a person sent from God just needs to open his mouth and let God speak through him or her. But consider what Paul the apostle wrote to instruct Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, NIV).
God blesses us with gifts and abilities. But we must perfect them to use them for His glory. The Bible calls that stewardship. If we say we believe God has called us to a particular work but we fail to prepare ourself accordingly, we are not being good stewards.
Fear
Fear can manifest itself in two ways during our quest for success. Some people, for instance, fear taking that first step forward. The possibility of failure becomes debilitating. Then others fear what comes with the success. It’s one thing to do what needs to be done to achieve your goal. But it’s another thing to handle the demands and challenges associated with having reached success.
Fear is not all bad. We have a degree of fear that’s healthy for us. For example, we should fear living a reckless life; knowing that eventually, it results in serious consequences. But fear that cripples us is bad. It is an enemy of our success in life. Remember, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7, KJV).
Unbelief
Heretofore, I have not defined what I mean by “success in life.” Actually, that is a subjective term. Not every Christian wants to be or has been called to be a preacher, teacher, or gospel singer. You may be a Christian who wants to own your own business. Perhaps, your passion is community activism. It may even be professional athletics. The possibilities are endless.
Some challenges we encounter on our journey to success in life will be bigger than we are. All the preparation in the world won’t suffice. Neither will bravery or fearlessness. In addition to these, we must trust God.
As Christians, our faith in God must trump everything else we employ to realize success. That’s why we must cultivate our faith in God on a daily basis. Remember, “All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23, NASB). By contrast, God can’t work on our behalf when unbelief governs our life.
So, what is it that you believe God has called you to do? Or what is your goal in life? And which of the three enemies above are standing in your way? Understand that they won’t go away with time. You must vigorously confront them head on, if you want to realize success in life—whatever that means to you.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.