The Path to a Lifetime of Success is Through God

I'm 10 days away from my South Africa speaking engagement. I'm excited beyond words. I was thinking this morning though. I said to myself, who am I to be flown into South Africa with my security and to be paid some people's year salary to speak? Who am I not to have a college degree and no plaques on my wall validating my existence? Who am I to be 29 years old and an international speaker and coach?

Then a small still voice said to me, "Who do you serve?" I answered, "Jesus Christ." Then the voice said, "That's your answer."

You see when you live to please God and not man, things happen in your life. Things have happened in my 29 years that I can't understand. I look at people twice my age, twice my education, twice my experience and I say: "How am I better off than them?!!" Jesus Christ is the X factor. Many may say, "Lord Lord," but God will only promote you publicly and allow you to stay there if you're serving him privately when no one is looking. Only if your heart and your motives are right will you be advanced by God.

I don't know what anyone else's lifestyle is like behind closed doors but I know what mine is like. I know that in 2009 after I'd made thousands of mistakes I decided to make some changes. I decided to align my life with the word of God. I decided to accept my calling and walk by faith. I cut out everything that would hinder my growth and progression and I began to live everyday as if Jesus was walking next to me in the flesh. I made some mistakes but I didn't wallow in them. I got back up, I asked for forgiveness and I kept pushing. I used my natural gifts instead of trying to copy someone else's. I said what God put on my heart to say and I did what He put on my heart to do.

I began to see a separation from people. I didn't see people the same. I began to see the difference between excellence and mediocrity. People began to fall by the wayside. God began to move in my life like never before. I'd speak to older, smarter, and more experienced people and they'd be amazed by what God was doing in my life. For many, after talking to them for some time I'd pick up why God couldn't use them and I'd learn from it and keep going.

I learned on the journey that it can't be about me. It can't be about money. It can't be about fame. It must be about bringing lives to Christ and living as a true example of His love. I learned that it must be about fulfilling the purpose that was given to me by the creator. That purpose is to serve. When I accepted that agenda doors began to open. Enemies were made footstools and those that once laughed at my efforts were left with a look of confusion. It wasn't my work, it was God's. I put in a lot of work but God blessed my work because of where my heart was. I told the truth and shamed the devil. I stepped on toes and the truth came like a sword. I did it in love, but most importantly in obedience.

God spoke to me and said, "You won't be accepted or understood by everyone but not everything is for everyone. Let those that will hear you do so. Don't worry about having friends and being a fan favorite. Just do my work and you'll be taken care of on earth and in Heaven."

God said, "I may not give you all that you want right away but I'll give you all that you need. I know what you need but what you want could hurt you if you get it out of season. There will be hard times but I will be with you. There will be hate but I will always love you. The road won't be easy but I'll never leave you."

I remembered when I'd have to miss meals and bills, but since I accepted God's will I don't miss either. He gives me more tha
I need and if I were to miss a bill it would be because of my own doing, not His. I realize that since I accepted His commandments in entirety and I said, "Not my will but Your will be done Lord." My life has been changed; I can't take credit for a thing but for the willingness to be obedient and live righteous. God will give you strength to do those things if you're willing to accept that responsibility. Where much is given, much is required.

What I've done by the age of 29 with my past would take most a lifetime to do on their own. Don't go at it alone, get with God. When I say get with God I mean read His Holy Bible and study the New Testament. Learn His commandments and keep them. Live by His principles and you will reap His promises. He is the creator. Why not live a life as instructed by the creator of life?

There are many that are "successful" by man's standards and many that are "successful" in this season but I guarantee you that if a righteous lifestyle isn't at the core of their success then their success will be fleeting. It will grow wings and fly away. But with God, and only with God is failure temporary and success final.

Be blessed!!