Not too long ago, I listened to a message from Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas. This message was about achieving success in life. He made some valid points that prompted me to reflect on my own life.
Dr. Jeffress said, "The key to success in the game is what you do in preparation away from the game." He also said, " You can't imitate someone and what he does to be successful."
In life, this is very true. To be successful in any area of life, you must learn the skills needed and spend a lot of time practicing to be able to perform the skill well.
Missy, our youngest daughter, has been working with her two children, aged 4 and 5, this summer, teaching them to run the barrels and poles. It is a lot of work to catch and saddle the horses for the kids to ride. They are young yet, so they only ride for a short time. It takes just as long to get ready to ride as it does to ride. With each practice session, the grandchildren have shown improvement. At first, they had to be led to learn their patterns. Then they were able to slowly do the poles and barrels by themselves. By midsummer, after competing several times, the grandkids can go at a faster and more competitive pace. This preparation is necessary for them to be successful.
Now, let's apply this to our lives spiritually. To be successful in our lives as Christians, we need to be prepared and 'practiced up'! Well then, how do we do this? We strengthen ourselves with God before the contests or battles begin.
Let's look at what Jesus did. Luke 4 says it was Jesus' custom to enter the synagogue - He went to church. Matthew 14 tells us Jesus spent time in prayer by himself on the mountainside. We see that he prayed and attended church. We know he sought God and obeyed Him. He was prepared for His mission here on earth. Are we prepared? Are we doing what we need to do to ensure success in our Christian lives? Are we preparing for battle? Are we exercising to be strong and victorious? Are we planning ahead by nourishing our spiritual lives?
Our grandson, Traven, has been riding saddle broncs for several years now and has had success doing so. He has now started riding in the pro-rodeos and it has stretched him! He knows the basics but he has had some struggles. I encouraged him to show endurance - to do something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. He needs to endure and do the hard things to get better!
Success in any endeavor takes training. Are you in training now to accomplish what you want in life? If your Christian life is essential to you and you want to glorify God in it, then you must practice knowing and pursuing God!
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Have you admitted you are a sinner in need of a Savior? Accept his gift of eternal life now by asking Jesus to come into your life. Then He will come in and give you the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then you can begin learning of His ways and His will for you.
Get into His Word and study it. Join a truth-seeking Bible study and church. Work at knowing and glorifying God!
