SUCCESS FOR HIS PURPOSES
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5, ESV
Theme: Once you’ve “arrived,” use your achievements and gifts to serve others.
HIS PRESENCE IN THE PIT
There are times in our lives when we meet God at the bottom of the pit. The fire. The lion’s den. The belly of the whale. We all “fill in the blank” differently, but the experience for Christians is often the same. We can point to a time when we felt God’s presence in our life so clearly that we know we’ve been delivered and redeemed only by His power and not our own. I recall my own “pit” and, though I never want to go back there again, I remember and long for the closeness to God that I experienced during that period. The “pit” is where life change happens.
As followers of Christ, we empathize and pray for ourselves and others experiencing tremendous trials of pain and loss. But, do we pray about and during our “mountain top” experiences? Those times when we find stability, contentment, accomplishment, peace and, dare I say, prosperity?
Has the accomplishment of your dream ever been followed by guilt? Maybe you’re succeeding while others continue to struggle. Do you have ample resources and wonder if others judge how you utilize them? Perhaps you cringe a bit when reading Matthew 19:21-24, the verses about giving everything you have to the poor, or it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven. Sometimes I read this and think that if I still have money in my bank account-- after my tithe is made and bills are paid, maybe I am just not a “good enough” Christian.
ALLOW YOUR SUCCESS TO BRING GLORY TO GOD
Success isn’t something to be ashamed of, nor is it at the exclusion of being a Christ follower. Your means are designed not just for personal enjoyment and comfort, but for a greater purpose. God has entrusted you with resources so He can use your accomplishment, position, and influence. His purpose is not to deprive you of success. He wants you to use it! Give Him the glory, continue to seek His will, and relentlessly serve His people with what’s been given to you. Luke 12:48b (NIV) states, “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” God gives you the resources needed to do His work. Be bold and unapologetic in using them! Acknowledge Him as your source and strength, the One by whom all things have been afforded you.
Make It Personal: God doesn’t need “your” wealth. Giving is a matter of the heart. He wants you to be a cheerful, not begrudging giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Now is a time for reflection. Is your life all about you? Do you spend time puffing your chest, accumulating things, and opening your billfold to impress others? Do you have ample financial resources so you can confidently “write the check” yet you’re stingy with your time? Pray about how God can use your resources, listen to the Holy Spirit guide you in ways you can bless others, and give Him the glory over your own efforts.
Pray: God, thank You for all You have entrusted to me. Whether it’s a little or a lot, it’s what I can use to serve You and bring You glory. Guide me to opportunities to share the physical and spiritual gifts You’ve given me. Search my heart and reveal the areas of my life that require reassessment. I want to be obedient in every way. May my success be Yours and not my own, to be used in Your service. Amen
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Malachi 3:10; Luke 12:48; Matthew 19:21-24
Weekly Memory Verse: “...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 6:1, NIV