The Keys to Sustain Success

Last week, we discovered success, even for believers, can be fleeting. This week, let’s explore the keys to sustained success. We all suffer with similar issues – jealousy, disobedience, fear, impatience, pride, and making excuses – which caused King Saul to lose his position. In fact, we often find ourselves in a constant battle against these behaviors. How, when we fail to recognize and resolve these issues (weaknesses) we hinder our ability to be people of potential and promise, strength and victory.  

Paul, in Ephesians 6:10 tells us how to begin, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Suppose you struggle with taking responsibility. It’s not all that unusual, after all, being irresponsible is easy. Learning to take responsibility is a stepping-stone to success. In James 1:22, James tells us “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Summed up, there is no greater responsibility than to do what the Word says!  

Another key to sustained success is patience – an area most of us struggle with at one time or another. We have to remember success is often in the timing and many times we sabotage ourselves because we don’t want to wait (Psalm 37:7). Disobedience is another stumbling block to our success. God’s Word teaches again and again “obedience leads to blessing” (Luke 5:4-7 has one example). Fear is another challenge most of us face. God promises us in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Few emotions will block success and shut down a journey to greatness like fear, but jealousy, selfishness, and pride are also on the list.  

When we achieve success, it is not guaranteed to last. Success can only be sustained when we work at it. We all know external actions help us stay successful, but more important are our responsibilities as believers – managing negative emotions like impatience, fear, and jealousy; being humble before God; and living a lifestyle of obedience to Him. May we be reminded this week – God wants us to have success – more than we could ever ask for or imagine (Eph. 3:20).