Sometimes as Christians we may be bothered by other people’s successes especially if they are not believers. But we must remember the words of GOD Himself to His children in
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” KJV Bible
Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.” Amplified Bible
Sometimes it is easier to think that we understand this particular scripture just because we have heard sermons or exhortations with regards to this verse or because we claim we know it by heart.
This verse holds more truth than we know and we pray that the Holy Spirit enlightens us the more. Still, it is good we know these. We must be careful in studying the scripture. Some people claim to understand the scripture only to have it wrongly understood. Hence, we must always first say a little word of prayer that GOD makes His Word a light in our hearts and grant us understanding by the help of His Holy Spirit.
Also, embedded in the Word of GOD are various outstanding life principles effective in different areas of our lives. For personal development, overcoming bad habits, rules and principles regarding business that you can learn from people’s lives and inspired proverbs, how to deal with human relationship and friends, making future plans, making choices on marriage and home building, developing spiritual gifts and all kinds of affairs. The bible is so complete but also entwined in mystery which can only be made known and understood by the Holy Spirit.
Most importantly, following GOD and by His grace carefully obeying His words and applying His principles is the way to being prosperous and the only way to having ‘good’ success. The bible carefully emphasizes the word ‘good’. It could have been omitted but it wasn’t. It was purposefully imprinted in this verse.
There are so many in the world today that we look up to and admire; those that we tag successful but to GOD aren’t having good success. If there is good success, then there must be bad success. We hear and might have even seen people around us who seem to have everything; fulfilled dreams, lots of money, position, affluence and influence but back in their closet and in the corners of the minds are frugal, sad, unfulfilled and depressed. Truly, lacking in wholeness.
Only JESUS can make you whole and complete but that’s not enough. We have to follow His instruction, drop our own yoke and carry His. This means we still have a part to play.
To be successful, we must follow the bible’s teaching to be diligent and not lazy, be prayerful and watchful, listen to the Holy Spirit as He tells and impresses in our hearts and minds the things GOD has for us. We forgive and overlook people’s weakness yet being careful to observe people’s actions, and flee from appearances of evil. To fellowship with GOD’s people while still individually running our race.
There is a volume of book written concerning everyone of us.
GOD’s plan for us is to prosper, not plans to make perish. Living a fulfilled life is not just about living a godly life yet being ignorant of GOD’s purpose and plan for your life. No, that’s not it.
JESUS the Messiah could have still lived as a respected prophet in Israel and lived to ripe old age if He was ignorant of GOD’s plan for His life. His life took a turning point when He received the Holy Spirit. Remember that He had been a godly child since He was young going to the temple and amazing the people and scribes with His understanding of the scripture.
He fulfilled His purpose by His intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit, discerning and doing things before and after prayerfully seeking GOD, dutifully studying the scripture, trusting and thanking the Father in all circumstances, preaching the gospel of truth in word, thoughts and deeds, and remembering the eternal goal of finally staying with Him where He is.
My friend, please remember that it is not just about living a godly life but in actual fact, living the fulfilled life. Living as GOD our Potter has written in the volume of Book concerning you. Don’t be ignorant, you also have a part to play in the Kingdom that must be revealed by the LORD Himself to you. Seek Him to reveal His plan and purpose for your life.
We pray that as He does reveal the you that He sees you as, He will also grant you grace to walk in His plan and purpose without you pursuing it with the wrong motive, and grant you with peace and strength to finish well.
Many at times, when I see on obituary columns ‘Celebrating a fulfilled life!’, I think to myself and say for a truth that only GOD and such person who is gone knows if he or she truly lived a fulfilled life.
When GOD decides to call you at a ripe old age, between you and Him, can it really be concluded that you unraveled all as written in the volume of book concerning you?
Truly, my friend there is a book with your name in heaven. We would love to see you in GOD’s glory. If GOD be for you, who can be against you? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens us all. Cheers, pals!