Success Is ObedienceShembull

You hear business experts tell you that if you want to be successful, you have to go all-in on the thing you’re growing and that there’s no “winning” if your attention is divided.

Here’s the thing: It makes sense and, for the most part, I believe it to be solid advice. However, that has never been my circumstance. My work life has always been made up of bouncing between multiple areas of focus, each that God has called me to. 

Unfortunately, the question that the enemy has used to haunt/guilt me lately has been: How much more successful could you be if you abandoned this and went all-in with that?

Thankfully, in a series of God-ordained conversations, the Lord reminded me that He would never ask me that question because my attention to a task list has absolutely nothing to do with my success.

Don’t get me wrong. It is imperative that we give our best to where He has us, but that’s only because it’s our responsibility as followers of Jesus to steward well everything He gives us.  Our performance will never determine our outcome, but our obedience WILL.

Let’s re-read today’s verse:

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

If you’re struggling today with your assignment, whether you feel pulled in too many directions or exhausted because it’s not the “ideal situation,” don’t jump ship too quickly. Instead of feeling discontent in a complicated circumstance, focus on obedience! 

Get excited about chasing Jesus, and let Him deal with the details. 

Be faithful to His mission, and let Him determine your next step. Do everything you can do and do it to the best of your ability, but rest in the truth that His path to success looks entirely different than most of the world.

Take the pressure to perform off your shoulders, and just obey Jesus one step at a time in every area He has you serving. 

God, I’m sorry for ever thinking that I know better than You do. Help me to be diligent in my assignments from You, and in all that I do, I pray that You are glorified above everything else. Thank You for the lessons You teach us when we are waiting to hear from You. I love You! Amen.