“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,”
Success and protection. Two things God offers those who follow Him in this verse. In the business world, those are some pretty exciting promises. But in my family, I find them to be even more encouraging. Success, by God’s definition, often plays out differently than the world’s typical definition. The world’s definition can include money, power, influence, and any number of other things. In my observation, it certainly can include those things for the believer as well. However, the true meaning of success is not anchored in them. Success for God’s people is ultimately about fulfilling His will for their lives. God’s will is not the same for everyone, but walking in intimacy with Him, experiencing His presence daily, relying on His power through the Holy Spirit in every moment of our journey, being a light in a dark world, and salt in a flavorless world are all part of being successful as followers of Christ. If that list of success seems disappointing, it is probably a sign that we need to revisit where we are as followers of Christ. Believers should long for those things far more than what the world calls success. When the world sees success in our lives by its definition, it is not a bad thing—as long as we take the opportunity to use the attention it brings to point directly to our Father in heaven. Today, pursue God and live in the midst of His definition of success. #BeTheEdge
“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 NIV
