Success Starts Here ...

Would you be encouraged to know that God addresses success in the Bible? He does! In fact, He gives us a step-by-step plan for arriving at true success in our lives. When you follow His simple guidelines laid out in Joshua 1:8–9, God lavishes His blessings on your efforts and perseverance.

These verses are God’s recipe for success. Life is filled with challenges, assignments, necessities, routines, work, and surprises. And it’s easy to feel anxious, afraid, and inadequate at times, just like Joshua did.

If we choose to follow God’s advice, He assures us in Joshua 1:8 of “good success” and prosperity. In other words, there will be a successful outcome due to the courage, confidence, hope of victory, and wisdom that comes only from focusing fully on God’s Word and believing in His promises. As we obediently and unwaveringly trust in God’s promises—refusing to succumb to our fears, doubts, inabilities, and tiredness—His blessing and success are ours.

God gave Joshua directions—and hope—through these words. And the same directions and hope are yours too. It is success made simple: if you know God’s Word and do God’s Word, you will be successful in your endeavors, in fulfilling your assignments from God, and in pleasing Him as you move confidently forward. 

Note these ingredients for success from Joshua 1:8–9:

1. Believe God’s Word. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (v. 8). The Bible is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12) and able to make a difference in lives, including yours.
2. Dwell on God’s Word. “You shall meditate in it day and night” (v. 8). Your mind must understand the Bible before it can move your heart and change your life.
3. Obey God’s Word. “You may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (v. 8).
4. Persevere. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed” (v. 9).

But beware—it may not be the kind of success the world respects, such as wealth, fame, good looks, power, and prestige. You will live out God’s plan and please Him as you study and obey His Word and follow Him with all your heart. And He will bless you. That’s His promise to you!

RESPOND

God, may I represent You well in all I do by performing my assigned tasks without complaint and with excellence and joy—“for I serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24). Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life. 

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REFLECT

Study and reflect on these verses:  Proverbs 3:1–4; 16:3; James 4:10.

REMEMBER

You will live out God’s plan and please Him as you study and obey His Word and follow Him with all your heart.