5:35 – Is Success Coming Too Easily? Am I Worthy?

#faithbites #faithjourney success

Intro

Last night, I was sharing my recent successes and potential success in the future. with a colleague. My friend said something to the extent that the old people were just getting those successes and I’m rising quickly. They didn’t mean it negatively or anything but it got me to think. about my successes. Am I worthy of these successes? My imposter syndrome is high and I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know I have worked hard, but did I get what I am getting because of my inherent privilege? Are others who are working as hard as me not getting what they should? Am I using my personal success to help others get their boost up?

I don’t know the answer to this. What I try to do is pray to God and be thankful for what he gives to me. I also try to use my successes to benefit everyone. At the same time, it is heavy on my heart.

Questions

• How do you think about your personal successes?
• What do you do when you achieve success?
• Is your success at the expense of or the gain for others?
• Are they your successes or God’s success?

Scripture

• 1 Timothy 6:17 – ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
• Matthew 6:8 – Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
• 2 Corithinas 9:8 – And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Reflection

The idea of success and welcoming success is two-fold. Do we want success for money, fame, and power? If so, then we are deluding ourselves as that isn’t what God wants us to search after. If we put our hope in God, he will reward us richly. God also treats everyone differently as he knows what they need. He gives us successes that we need and gives them to us for a reason. For me, I hope that I can use my successes to help promote and advocate for others. At the same time, I’m going to think about the difference between the words deserve, earn, and given. I don’t deserve my successes but they are given to me by God. I work hard to earn what I have, but it is because of God that I am as blessed as I am.

As we close, be humbled by your success and accept that God has given you the skills and abilities to get where you are. Then always, work to help others achieve. Be the advocate and neighbor that everyone needs.

Prayer

Father God, first and foremost, thank you for everything that you have given me. I am honored and humbled by what you have given me. Thank you for your blessings. Lord, help us to accept what you have given us and not feel that we aren’t worthy. Lord, there are people who have not gotten what they should. Help us to use our positions and successes to promote success for others. Lord, we thank you and love you for these opportunities. In your name, we pray, Amen.