God has not necessarily called us to succeed…He has called us to be faithful and obey
In a world driven by success and achievements, we easily forget that our purpose goes beyond pursuing outward victories. When it comes to our faith and obedience to God, it’s not about how successful we are in the eyes of the world but rather how faithful we are in following His call. As the Bible reminds us in various verses, God’s primary concern is not our success but our unwavering devotion and obedience to His will. He does not measure our worth by the number of accolades we accumulate or the material wealth we amass but rather by the sincerity of our hearts and our commitment to live out His commandments. So, let us not be disheartened by temporary setbacks or discouraged by the lack of worldly success. Instead, let us focus on being faithful and obedient to God’s calling, trusting that in doing so, we are fulfilling our true purpose and finding true success in His eyes.
Understanding the call of God
When it comes to understanding the call of God, it’s essential to recognize that it is not always a call to succeed in a worldly sense. God’s call may lead us down paths that seem uncertain or challenging, but it is in those moments that our faith and obedience are truly tested. The call of God is not about achieving fame, fortune, or worldly recognition. It is about surrendering our lives to Him and being willing to follow wherever He leads, even if it means walking through valleys of uncertainty or facing opposition. God’s call is not always easy to discern, but when we seek Him with a humble and open heart, He guides us and reveals His plans for our lives.
The misconception of success in the context of faith
In today’s society, success is often equated with material wealth, power, and status. However, this worldly definition of success does not align with the teachings of the Bible. As Christians, our true success lies in faithfully following God’s commandments and living out His will. It is not about what we achieve or possess but about the transformation that takes place within us as we grow in our relationship with Him. The misconception of success in the context of faith can lead us astray, causing us to prioritize worldly pursuits over our obedience to God. It is important to remember that true success is not measured by external factors, but by the condition of our hearts and our commitment to living a life that honors and pleases God.
Biblical verses on faithfulness and obedience
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous verses that highlight the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with God. These verses serve as a reminder that God’s primary concern is not our success but our willingness to faithfully follow His commands. One such verse is found in Micah 6:8, which says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life characterized by justice, mercy, and humility rather than striving for worldly success. Another verse that speaks to the significance of faithfulness and obedience is found in Matthew 7:21, where Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This verse reminds us that mere words or outward appearances are not enough to demonstrate our faith. Still, rather, our obedience to God’s will genuinely matters.
Embracing the journey of faith
The journey of faith is not always smooth sailing. There will be times of doubt, uncertainty, and even failure along the way. However, it is in these moments that our faith is refined and strengthened. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks or challenges, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Through trials and tribulations, we learn to rely on God’s strength and trust in His plan for our lives. Embracing the journey of faith means surrendering our own desires and ambitions to God, and allowing Him to guide us every step of the way. It requires a willingness to let go of our need for control and to place our trust entirely in Him.
Trusting in God’s plan and timing
Trusting in God’s plan and timing can be challenging, especially when things don’t meet our expectations. However, the Bible assures us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His timing is perfect. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This verse reminds us that God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us, even when we cannot fully understand or comprehend His ways. Trusting in God’s plan and timing requires us to surrender our agendas and desires and place our faith in His wisdom and sovereignty.
Overcoming the fear of failure
The fear of failure can be a significant barrier to our faith and obedience. It can hold us back from obeying God’s call and cause us to doubt our abilities and worthiness. However, the Bible assures us that our worth is not determined by our successes or failures but by God’s unconditional love for us. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse reminds us that nothing can separate us from God’s love, including our failures. When we understand and embrace this truth, we can overcome the fear of failure and step out in faith, knowing that our worth is secure in God’s love.
Finding meaning and purpose in being faithful and obedient
True meaning and purpose in life are not found in pursuing success or worldly achievements but rather in being faithful and obedient to God’s call. When we align our lives with His will, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that cannot be found in any earthly pursuit. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” This verse reminds us that our efforts are in vain apart from our connection to God. Only when we remain rooted in Him and live out His commandments do our lives bear fruit and bring glory to His name. Finding meaning and purpose in being faithful and obedient requires a shift in our perspective from seeking our own success to seeking to fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.
Practical ways to live out faithfulness and obedience
Living out faithfulness and obedience in our daily lives requires intentionality and a commitment to following God’s commandments. It involves aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His will and seeking to honor Him in all that we do. Here are some practical ways to live out faithfulness and obedience:
- Spend time in prayer and Bible study to deepen your relationship with God and gain a clearer understanding of His will.
- Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in making decisions and discerning God’s direction for your life.
- Practice gratitude and thankfulness, recognizing that every good thing comes from God.
- Serve others selflessly, reflecting the love of Christ in your interactions with others.
- Cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that it is God who empowers and equips us to live faithfully.
- Seek accountability and support from fellow believers, who can encourage and challenge you in your walk of faith.
- Be obedient to God’s commandments, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
By incorporating these practical steps into our daily lives, we can live out our faithfulness and obedience to God, allowing Him to work through us and bring glory to His name.
Encouragement for those feeling discouraged or uncertain
For those who may be discouraged or uncertain in their journey of faith, it is important to remember that God is with you every step. He sees your heart and knows your struggles. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse serves as a reminder that God is our source of strength and encouragement. He is faithful to walk alongside us, providing the strength and guidance we need to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of life. When we feel discouraged or uncertain, we can pray to God, seeking His comfort and guidance. He will never leave us or forsake us, and He will always be there to lift us up and provide us with the encouragement we need to continue on our journey of faith.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s call and living faithfully
In conclusion, God’s call on our lives is not about achieving worldly success or accumulating accolades. It is about being faithful and obedient to His will, regardless of the outcomes we may experience. Our true success lies in following God wholeheartedly, surrendering our desires and ambitions, and trusting in His plan and timing. As we embrace God’s call and live faithfully, we will find meaning, purpose, and true fulfillment in Him. Let us not be disheartened by temporary setbacks or discouraged by the lack of worldly success. Instead, let us focus on being faithful and obedient to God’s calling, trusting that in doing so, we are fulfilling our true purpose and finding true success in His eyes.
About the Author
Meet Bruce Mitchell – a man of the Word, a voice in the wilderness, and a shepherd to his flock. He is not just a speaker but a fervent Bible teacher, a dedicated Pastor, and a passionate writer who’s all about bringing heavenly wisdom into everyday life.
Bruce is pleased to have attended both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats for sharing God’s profound love and mercy with the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, and his blog, Allelon.us. His mission? To weave the principles of Agapao Allelon into the fabric of society – a divine commandment of Loving One Another and reflecting God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness in our everyday lives.
He has been Inspired by 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce believes that love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. In line with 1 John 4:7-8, he upholds that devoid of love, one is devoid of God. And drawing from Ephesians 4:31-32, he persistently calls for love as Jesus loved us.
Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!
Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8
Check out more of his work here
