Three ways to reach real success

“Don’t you just hate her?” some have said at the way Nora Roberts has reached real success as an author.

But her story goes just a tad beyond success. Five books a year? Insanely impossible. Not for her. She just threw a party to celebrate her 200th book out. And, the millions each sold no doubt, adds to her glory.

How does she do it? I just read a clue in a recent article in the Wall Street journal, it says: “Ms. Roberts writes for six to eight hours every day, fueled by Diet Pepsi and Winston Filter 100s cigarettes.” Read this Wall Street journal interview.

Hmm…her source of fuel, according to the article, is unique, isn’t it?

On the other hand, my friend, Bob Saffrin, is fueled by God’s power to pen insights from Scripture. A young man recently back from Iraq shared how discouraged he and his wife had been, not able to find work after moving to another state. When they read Bob’s book Moses – Steps to a Life of Faith together they realized this “desert” time in their lives was God preparing them for something great.

Amigos, to reach real success, it’s not the number of books sold, but the quantity of hope our books sing. The hope that revives the soul shines the spotlight on Jesus and brightens the horizon through the gloom of pain.

So, before I start a new habit and rush out to grab my own pack of Winston cigarettes, allow this chica to give you three secrets to success:

Identify the source, the fuel and the reason for your passion, making sure, nothing is done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3).

When sales don’t soar, believe anyway—with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23).

And finally, at the end of the day, when you worked till you can’t anymore, the computer is off and the family is sleep, in the deepest corner of your heart, you can say with a smile of gratitude and with the peace few know, ”All, absolutely all is well with my soul.”

Father, I confess I had coveted success that’s measured by numbers, dollars and prestige. But I came to recognize the success that is measured by your power, ordained by your Word, and orchestrated by your plans. Show me how to accomplish only the tasks for each moment. Those that sing of your faithfulness, to spend days that show your provision and the kind of success that lifts a sweet fragrance unto you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What does success look like to you?
Who measures your success, the one no one sees?
What fuels the work you do?