God's Strategy For Success

Reference: Proverbs 10:24b The hopes of the godly will be granted. 

Observation: Recently we’ve seen that God responds to faith. Believing that God will act, expecting it, is a key to seeing it done. Here is another of these keys; godliness brings blessing. We have many, many strategies for getting what we hope for. We educate ourselves, we work hard, we network with the right people, we make plans and we get organized. Here is one approach that many people don’t think about as a success strategy; do the right thing!! Learn to see life and live life like God would want you to.
In fact, in our pursuit of our hopes we may find ourselves tempted by exactly the opposite. We may come to believe that godliness inhibits us from competing with others to see our hopes fulfilled. We may feel like we have to "cut corners" or cheat, just a little, to make it in this world.
On a natural level that may seem to be true. Yet, on a supernatural level, when we choose godliness over compromise, we have God on our side. That constitutes a major competitive advantage.

Application/Confession: How many times has God brought me back to the simple idea, “I will build my church.” Some of my greatest hopes have to do with my ministry and the church family I lead. God makes it clear here that my character, even when no one is looking or hearing, is an important factor in seeing my hopes for my ministry fulfilled. Instead of always looking for the latest and greatest business or leadership insight, I need to always be allowing Him to form me into His image--that will bring success.

PRAYER: Teach me Lord to focus more on my character than on increasing my competence. The fulfillment of my hopes is not based solely, or even primarily, on how great a leader I am but on Your promise of blessing.