(1999) In this day age, and in a world where almost everything seems possible, or at least imaginable, one thing is still extremely hard to obtain -- success.
What is success? Is it a nice home, a fast car, loads of money, tons of friends, popularity in the community, having "connections", or status quo? For some, that is their definition of success. For the over-achievers I know, those things are only by products of true success, true achievement and true servanthood. Real success comes not in material possessions, but in intangible characteristics like honesty, respect, endurance, optimism, faith in God, giving and compassion for others.
True success is taking the punches, getting knocked down, only to get back up, over and over and over again, until the punches can be waved away and victory is attained.
Someone once said, "A man standing on top of a mountain didn't just fall there. He climbed, and climbed, slipped, and sometimes nearly fell. But one day the top was suddenly his to claim!"
Another said, "A boxer doesn't lose a fight because he gets knocked down, he loses the fight because he doesn't get back up."
Yes, success is hard. Whether it be success in school, work, a career, business, a ministry, with your kids, athletics or in some personal goal, it is not easily attained, and never will be. It requires a major price tag. For some it may cost everything you have, for others it may mean loss of sleep, muscle pain, financial cutbacks or late hours at the coffee shop cramming for that final. Whatever the cost, there will be one. I know one man who understood this basic principle. He called his home business "W.I.T." for "Whatever it takes". He saw the price tag and was willing to pay it.
Striving for success is a long road. A road full of pot-holes, curves, and seemingly deadends. Yet the weary find their rest by continuing through the struggles till the end is reached. It's something only a few are willing to try, and only a handful finish.
In the times of fear and doubt, remember who you are what you were created to be. Tim Storey once said, "I have always believed God gets more glory out of you being a success story than out of you being a failure!" God didn't call you to fail, but He will call you to prevail. In Him only, will you find the strength to make it. In Him only, will you find the resources you need to finish what He has started. In Him only, will your pathways be made straight and narrow and in Him only, will you find the will to carry on.
So hold on to your dreams, never give up and tell yourself and the world who mocks you, "With God on my side, it is possible and I will win!"
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this” Pslam 37:3-6
© 1999, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
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