What does Success Look Like

Joshua 1:8

In today’s world many are driven by results and most want to see results immediately or they will quickly move on to something else. This has also crept into our churches today and our lives as well when it comes to serving God. But we must remember that serving God is something that is totally different. Many of the results that come from serving the Lord may never been seen here on earth or at least not for many years. Therefore, when we become focused on results and we are not seeing them, some tend to manufacture them and some even give up. Manufactered results or quitting is what the devil wants.

In this lesson we will look at the life of Joshua to see something about success and then make some application for what we should do instead of looking for results.

What had Joshua done prior to Joshua 1:8?

1)  Led Israel into battle (Exodus 17:8-16)

• Note that in this familiar event Joshua is often overlooked.

2)  Ministered and served Moses (Exodus 24:13 ; Exodus 33:11)

• Note the example of Jesus (Matthew 20:26-28)

3)  Given a good report of faith (Numbers 14:6-9)

This brings us back to Joshua 1:8. The verse speaks as if Joshua has not yet had success but is going to if he follows God’s law and words. Now go to Joshua 3:7 and God tells Joshua that he is going to magnify him in the eyes of the children of Israel. Then after they cross Jordan, it says that God magnified Joshua in the eyes of the people Joshua 4:14.

So many saved people today, especially those in the ministry, are seeking to magnify themselves. This is why so many focus on rewards as well as manufacture them. True success will only come from God magnifying you not you doing it yourself. God glorifies those who glorify him and we must remember that in our work for him.

What can we do instead of looking for results?

1)  Be faithful where you are (1 Corinthians 4:2)

• Instead of wanting bigger and better things be faith with where God has placed you and with what he has given you.
• Whether you can see results or not just be faithful

2)  Seek to give God the glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)

• We have a great example of this in the prayer of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion (John 17:4-10)

3)  Do not worry about results, let God take care of them (1 Corinthians 3:5-8)

• Note that the reward is found in the labor not in the increase because God gives the increase.
• This applies very well in being a witness for the Lord. So many focus on how many they “won” to Jesus so they can give a report. No one wins or loses anyone. We plant and water, but God does the saving. We must be careful here not to steal God’s glory.

4)  Let God magnify you (Matthew 25:21,23)

• We will all give an account at the Judgment Seat of Christ, which by the way is were we will really see if there were results in the first place.
• Would it not be nice to have God say well done, thou good and faithful servant.