The Flame Within

“Listening to God… Obeying His Still Small Voice… Defining Success According to His Perfect Plan…”

In Jeremiah 11:4, God says: “Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God.”

This verse reminds us that a Godly life is rooted in listening and depending on God. Obedience is not about control or crossing something off a “to do” list. Obedience is about a real life “relationship” with God. It is about having such a closeness to God, that we trust Him completely, to the point of total surrender to His plans. Desiring God above all— Above anything this world has to offer.

Joshua’s life was a model of obedience to God. He continually sought God’s guidance and obeyed, even when God’s instructions didn’t make sense to human reasoning. Marching around Jericho for seven days wouldn’t make sense in military strategy—but Joshua trusted God, and obedience led to victory. That is the purpose of life, “To have God’s victory in our lives!” Joshua’s victories were not the result of his own wisdom but of God’s faithfulness.

God is faithful!

Success—Do we ever ponder or pray about this concept in our lives? It is important to remember that the world defines success in one way—God has a completey different meaning for “success” in the lives of His children.

Let’s pause and reflect:

1. What does success look like to you?

2. What does success look like when viewed through the lens of the Holy Spirit? Does this change your answer to what success looks like?

3. What is the difference between earthly and worldly success?

4. Since success looks different on each individual person: Is it fair to compare yourself to the success of others?

5. Are you successful? Why or why not? — Be honest with yourself.

6. Perhaps the issue is more about a new or deeper calling—and not a lack of success?

Godly success in our lives isn’t measured by wealth, power, or recognition—it’s found in faithfulness to God’s call on your life. Success is not about what you build but about who you become along the faith journey, as we listen, obey, and walk closely with Him.

God rewards our faithfulness! He desires us to move forward in the success he’s planned for each of his children. He desires us to succeed! The success is according to His plans and purposes and not our own thoughts, plans, and comparisons.

Friends, spend some time pondering “success”. Praying and asking God to guide you to His plans and purposes!

Personally, When I am firmly planted in God’s will—That is when I feel most successful.

Blessings, Crystal