This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. The wealthiest man to ever live was Adam. After all, he was the only one here, so he owned everything. But after the fall of man, the wealthiest man to ever live was Solomon. Not only did Solomon have wealth, but he also had divine wisdom. The Bible says God gave him “wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29), “He was wiser than any other man” (1 Kings 4:31), and he “became greater in riches and wisdom than any other king on earth” (2 Chronicles 9:22).
While we have already established the fact that success is not just about money, I want to make the point that God is not opposed to his people having money. For some reasons, which I may discuss in this series, many believers think money is evil. Money is not evil. Money can be used for all sorts of good. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), not the money itself.
Since Solomon had access to both divine wealth and divine wisdom, let’s see what he said about wealth, health and life. Solomon said, “Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past” (?Ecclesiastes? ?5?:?18-20? NLT).
So what does this mean to you today? I want to take a closer look at this passage and it will take me a few days. So let’s start:
1. God wants you to enjoy the life He has given you. Solomon said, “It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun… ” While it is true that God wants you to make it to heaven, it is also true that He wants you to enjoy the ride. God does not want you to be “saved” but then miserably “saved”. No, the Father wants you to have and enjoy life in Him. Part of being successful in life is enjoying the life God has given you. When you walk with God and He walks with you, you can enter each day with a spring in your step, a smile on your face, a song in your heart and a countenance that brings enjoyment and excitement to any environment.
2. Life is short, so make the most of the time you have on the earth. Solomon said, “It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them… ” You are not going to be here forever. If the Lord tarries His coming, you may only walk the earth for about 120 years (or less). In the big scheme of things, that is not a lot of time. Being successful means that you are determined to make the most of the life you have been given, in the time you have been given. Don’t waste time. Pursue your purpose with laser-focus and bulldog-tenacity, knowing that God will grace you to make the most of the time you have left.
3. You won’t find true peace and fulfillment until you discover and accept your divine purpose. Solomon said, “It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.” What is your “lot” in life? I believe it’s your divine purpose. You are not here for any other reason than for the purpose God birthed you to accomplish.
a. True success is found in surrender to God and to His will for your life.
b. You will never find true peace until you find your true self.
c. You will never experience true success pursuing something you were not born to do.
d. Once you find who you really are, you will also know who you are not. Finding yourself in Christ helps free you from comparison and jealousy.
e. When you accept your divine assignment you will tap into God’s grace for clarity, focus, peace, fulfillment and true success.
We we stop here for today.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace, about Your purpose for my life, and about true success. There was a time in my life when I measured success by the world’s standards. I got caught up in the pursuit of “things”. I now know that true success can only be found in the accomplishment of my divine purpose. So instead of pursuing “things” I now pursue “my thing,” which is what I was born to do. As I pursue “my thing,” I have confidence that You will give me all the “things” I need to accomplishment my divine purpose. In finding You I have found my purpose. By finding my purpose I have found myself. By finding myself I am now free from comparison and jealousy. I don’t attempt to be anyone other than the person You birthed me to be. I only have grace to be me. You have only given me the grace for my race. Therefore, I will run, with patience, the race You have set before me and I am determined to enjoy every step of the way. I enter this day with a spring in my step, a smile on my face, a song in my heart, and Your grace all over me. I go to work this morning and I am able to whistle while I work, because I am BLESSED! Success is not something I will achieve some day. Success is what You bless me to enjoy every day as I walk with You, doing what I was born to do! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
