The world will tell you that the ultimate success is a big bank account, or being famous, or having a husband and kids. If we’re honest, though, many of us define success by our ability to either juggle all the demands of life or control what happens in our worlds. But the real test of success is our friendship with God and the depths to which we trust Him.
I learned this firsthand. I’m a very motivated person and a really hard worker who gives 100 percent in whatever I do, so I’m used to ambitiously hunting down success. But there came a time in my life when I had to let go of trying to make success happen and start being available to what God had for me. That meant setting aside my desires to keep acting in order to stay at home and be the primary caretaker of our kids.
The cry of the surrendered heart is
“Here I am, God. Use me however You choose.”
For people like me who prefer to be in control, reaching this place of surrender is as challenging as it sounds. But there is a big upside: Once you’re there, it takes the pressure off success. You no longer have to be responsible for it. You can focus on being faithful, letting God handle the success of your efforts.
He will, you know. And you’ll be able to be fully present to everything He is doing in you and through you.
I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins. — Galatians 2:20 GW
Prayer
You are the One who can be trusted with the depths of my dreams and desires. As I surrender control, increase my trust that You’ll work all things for what You know is best.
*
Think On These Things
If forming good habits were easy, we’d all be happy, healthy, and fit comfortably in that cute party dress. But it’s the good habits that give us a run for our money, right? Which means we need to bring our best to the effort.
If you’re struggling to develop a new habit, it might help to ask yourself: “What’s holding me back? Is it fear, a lack of motivation, or a lack of information about how to reach my goal?” A little research or a life coach can go a long way in providing the how-tos. And in scripture after scripture, God encourages us to “be strong and courageous” because the battles we face are actually His to win, if only we will seek His help. Bringing Him into the fight with us makes fear start to fall away.
As for motivation, why not try putting mindfulness to work for you? The Bible advises us:
Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praise-worthy — think about such things. — Philippians 4:8
After you’ve done something consistently, you know how good it feels and how beneficial it is for you. So the next time you’re tempted to stay in bed instead of getting up to exercise, don’t give power to your tiredness. Think instead on how much happier you’ll be once you’ve finished your workout. Think on the good results you’re achieving — better health, more confidence, a stronger body, a longer life with the people you love. And think on the fact that you’re worth it. God says so. And if He says so, you can believe it! Then put your feet on the floor and keep pushing to be your best. The future you will thank you.
Prayer
I stand in awe that You are more than willing and able to fight the hard battles with me. As I invite You into the process, dread and fear will diminish, and healing and renewal can begin.
Watch the Video
Excerpted with permission from 100 Days of Joy and Strength by Candace Cameron Bure, copyright Candace Cameron Bure.
* * *
Your Turn
Let’s start today praying “Here I am, God. Use me however You choose”, thinking on what God has told us to think about, and then following Him with persistent obedience. We’ll be so glad we did! ~ Devotionals Daily