Success in God's EyesSample

Experience Fulfillment

In Luke chapter 10, the story is told of Jesus pulling seventy-two of His followers aside, pairing them up, and sending them out to bear Fruit for the Kingdom. A few verses later, they returned to Jesus with joy, telling powerful stories of all that God had done through them. The seventy-two spoke of the Fruit that was produced. They said,

"Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."

Then Jesus replied,

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:17-20).

Jesus shared with them a shocking vision. As He looked into the realm of the spirit, He could see them taking back that which rightfully belongs to God. The being Fruit that had developed in their lives was now bearing some serious doing Fruit!

As they witnessed this incredible external Fruit, what emotion did they experience? The text makes it clear- they returned with Joy! Out of all the words that could be used to describe their emotions at this time, the emotion they experienced was Joy. This deep Joy is an inner sense of soul satisfaction. When your life is Faithful and bearing Fruit, you will begin to live with a sense of deep soul satisfaction, which I explain as Fulfillment.

So, when was the last time that you spent a day feeling satisfied deep in your soul because of Faithful stewarding and Fruitful being and doing?

The movie Chariots of Fire features the true story of Eric Liddle, a runner preparing to compete in the Olympics. At one point in the movie, Eric has a conversation with his sister, who tells him he is on the wrong track. She thinks he should focus his life on missions work in China, as their parents did, instead of running.

But Eric sees things a little differently. He explains to her that he feels Called to China but that his running is also part of God's Purpose for his life. Eric tells his sister,

"God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His Pleasure."

All of us have a Purpose and a Calling in life. All of us should be able to say every day,

"God made me _______________ (fill in the blank), and when I do this, I feel His pleasure."

God made you for something. It is His hope that every day and ultimately at the end of your life, you will be able to feel that deep sense of soul satisfaction called Fulfillment. Regardless of how much money you have made, if you experience the Joy of God within, you have a successful day.

When you experience this kind of joyful Fulfillment in life, it is one of the key indicators that you are a success in God's Eyes.

Question for reflection:

How often in a week do you experience joyful Fulfillment or the Pleasure of God?