It’s something I’ve been tossing around in my head – this idea of success. My idea of success doesn’t often aline with God’s.
I feel successful when I blog at least three times a week, get more followers on Facebook and Twitter, and watch my platform grow. I don’t think it’s enough that I wrote a book. Shouldn’t I be working harder to promote it?
A Facebook friend and fellow writer posted something the other day that was like a breath of fresh air to my striving soul.
She wrote, “obedience is the goal.”
When we are obedient to God we have succeeded. {Tweet This}
It isn’t about reaching the masses, but being obedient to the One.
Holley Gerth, in her book You’re Going to Be Okay, writes, “We’re to celebrate God’s goodness and our obedience – not results. The moment you say yes to God and move forward into what he asks of you is the moment you become successful. Not when you hit numbers. Not when you meet expectations. Not when you make heads turn.”
I strive so hard to be successful. I want to see results. I want to know my words matter.
Holley writes, “We don’t always get to really see the results. We don’t always know the impact….So I want to lean in and whisper to you, ‘Dear Sister, trust that there is more than you can see. Trust that what you’re doing makes a difference. Trust that one day you will get to turn the chair around and fully see.”
When we are obedient to God we will always succeed.
We don’t have to strive, we just have to trust Him.
This post was written as a response to Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart link up prompt: For more encouragement click here! I am also linking up for Three Word Wednesday. You can join the fun here.
Obedience is the goal – thanks for the reminder. 🙂
Yes! Obedience=success. I just pray we remember this when choices have to be made.
Me too, Sarah! Sometimes it’s so hard to remember!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Jennifer, it’s lovely to “meet you” through Beth’s Wednesday linkup. Thanks for this reminder that my focus needs to be on pleasing Him, not promoting me. This is a good word.
Thanks for stopping by Lyli!
It’s so hard to remember sometimes! I know I struggle with feeling like I should have a bigger platform, sale more books, etc.
He just wants our obedience and our heart. 🙂
I always love Holley’s prompts. So many encouraging posts are written through them. I’m so grateful you are also linking up with TWW. Loved this reminder ~> “We don’t have to strive, we just have to trust Him.”
I’m trying to do that more and more with my blog. Less worry about promoting and trusting Him to bring those who need encouragement to my place.
Thank you for the reminder that success comes when we obey Him.
Blessings to you.
Beth –
Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve enjoyed linking up with TWW. I can totally relate. It’s so hard to trust Him with my blog. I feel like I need to be doing a bunch of promoting, but what matters is the one person we reach. If we reach one, that should be enough. Glad you were encouraged by my post!