Biblical Success: Embracing God's Will in Our Pursuits

I’ve been reflecting on my experience taking a board exam held in Manila few days ago for a possible career shift, if the Lord wills. It’s not actually related to my college degree, but I was able to finish another course last year, qualifying me to take this examination. Of course, there are uncertainties. As I navigate through these, I was reminded of the promise in Proverbs 16:3: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established," which resonates with me.

This is a beautiful promise, but it’s important to remember that biblical success isn’t measured by worldly standards like fame, wealth, or achievements in this life, but by fulfilling God's purposes in our lives. The same goes for Psalm 37:4, which says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

These passages remind me that committing our work to the Lord and delighting ourselves in Him involves surrendering to His will. And since God's will never changes, our prayers are meant to align with His will, much like Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 26:39 when He prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

Even though Jesus expressed His desire for the cup to pass from Him, He did not demand it; instead, He submitted to the Father's will. While we are encouraged to bring our requests to God (as seen in Philippians 4:6), we must recognize the importance of submitting to His greater plan.

When we truly commit our ways to God and find joy in Him, our desires become align with His. If we measure success by worldly standards, we set ourselves up for disappointment and even depression, because not everyone achieves what they want—failures are a natural part of life.

So, "what is the biblical remedy for dejection at apparent failure in our labors?" As A.W. Pink wisely stated, "This—the assurance that God's plan cannot fail, that God's plans cannot miscarry, that God's will must be done. Our labors are not intended to bring about that which God has not decreed."

True success is found in submitting our plans to our all-knowing God, acknowledging His control over everything.

A once-notable preacher said, "Prayer does not change the will of God. Prayer submits to the will of God." This highlights an ultimate truth: God's will is sovereign and unchanging. Scriptures like Isaiah 46:10, which says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose," and Malachi 3:6, which states, "I, the Lord, do not change," emphasize this point.

In James 4:3, it says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." Thus, a rightful and acceptable prayer seeks God's will above our own. 1 John 5:14 assures us of this: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Notice the emphasis on asking "according to His will."

By praying in submission to God’s will, we express our trust in His sovereignty, knowing that whatever happens—whether we face success or failure, strength or weakness—God's plan will always prevail, ultimately for our good and His glory.

Only when we understand this we can we honestly say, "Thy will be done."

Photo by Carvermade via etsy.com

Update: 12/13/2024 — The results are out, and I passed the exam. To God be the glory!