The more we learn about God's ways, the more we see how God desires success for those who follow Him. Success comes naturally when we put our faith in Jesus and surrender all our endeavours to Him.
But after God gives success to us, what are we to do next?
Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
God's plan never leads to failure, but instead points us to ways of success. This may take the form of an increase in your family's fortunes, better career, and enhanced wealth or influence—although not all gains equate to success.
But as God gives us higher goals, He also gives us the audacity to fulfil them.
What are your goals today? Have you surrendered them to God? More importantly, when the time comes when God gives you success, how will you respond to such success?
Here are four Christian responses:
1. Grow in integrity
Genesis 39:2 tells us: "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man..." God made Joseph a successful man, and he grew in integrity by not compromising it. Though his integrity resulted in a brief setback, it brought him greater success in the long run.
It's scary to think how many successful people have lost their integrity to the fear of losing what they have accumulated. But if we truly understand that our success comes from God and not our strength, we will choose to walk in God's ways instead of ours.
2. Give glory to God
It's easy to think that success is a result of our own good works. While God does allow us to participate in the process, all success is ultimately from God through Jesus Christ. The cross is our means of success, not our strength. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
3. Help others succeed
God blesses us with the intention of turning us into a channel of His goodness and grace. That is the essence of discipleship. As we succeed in life, in family, in our career and in our relationship with God, we are to pass on what we have learned to others so that they, too, may share in our God-given success.
2 Timothy says, "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
4. Dream bigger
God is the ultimate dreamer and His plans for you will keep growing and growing if you allow Him to keep working in your life by always thinking bigger. Every moment of success we achieve doesn't have to be the end of the line. We can keep dreaming and keep believing in God for greater things to come.
