Bonnie St. John, a professional speaker and Olympic medalist asked, “How does a person achieve extraordinary success?” she gave an example taken from Ken Kragen, a major Hollywood agent, who took talented performers like Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Lionel Ritchie and made them superstars. His observations on what makes the difference between a star and a superstar might surprise you. Lots of people sing beautifully, work hard, and stay focused, yet still don’t make it to the top. According to Ken, author of Life is a Contact Sport, superstars are usually the people who get the most help. He taught his clients to cultivate help by making more contacts, sending more thank you notes, and just being nice. Being “helpable” is key to achieving your full potential.
The only way to achieve success is to partner with someone who has it. It is not enough to become successful without the “help” of another person. No one becomes successful on his or her own. As the famous saying goes, “Behind the success of every man is a woman” proves it without a doubt. Even the Lone Ranger has Tonto with him at all times. Thus, no one cannot and must claim success by himself or herself.
But what does the Bible speaks of experiencing “extraordinary success” for anyone who desires it? The Bible is filled with many examples of men and women who through the help of God experienced tremendous success. One that stands out is when God spoke to Joshua Himself and revealed to him what he needed to do to gain success. It was a needed boost as he was to replace Moses as the leader of Israel. And God said to Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV) Joshua needed to do something consistently and with commitment, i.e., adhere to God’s Word.
However, it must be remembered that success can never be achieved overnight. Let me share to you a story I come cross: “When James Garfield (later President of the U.S.) was principal of Hiram College in Ohio, a father asked him if the course of study could be simplified so that his son might be able to go through by a shorter route. "Certainly," Garfield replied. "But it all depends on what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years. When He wants to make a squash he requires only two months. We are producing too many squashes and not enough oak trees in our day.” Success involves time factor and it can never be separated from achieving genuine success. Thus, the main ingredient of time that the Lord gave Joshua must be upheld to ensure attaining the result he wanted.
Having established clear parameters that the key to obtaining extraordinary success comes from faithful adherence to the Word of God, consideration of time and consistent commitment to do everything written in God’s Word, then we are guaranteed success. Just make sure that no matter what we see and feel, we will not be moved away from completing our desired goal. With God on our side, who can be against us? Remember that what God said He would do and He always fulfills what He says to the last point.
Thus, the point of the whole mater is this: let God be on our side. Also, let Him supply the right people and success, God’s way is guaranteed! Although, there is much opposition that may arise along the way, never look at them as hindrances but opportunities to improve what lies before you. Once the mindset is set-up this way, there is nothing that will impede your progress towards gaining extraordinary success. Nothing great was achieved without going through great things whether they are positive or negative things.
The principle that God gave Joshua more than 4,000 years ago is still relevant to our time today. If God holds the key, what will stop you from obtaining it for yourself especially when available? Just make sure you are ready to adhere to it wholeheartedly.
Let’s talk again!
