June 4th, 2023

Questions, Answers & Prayer:

I’m excited for an opportunity & adventure, but I’m stressed & confused by the fear of failing?

I’ll tell you of a talk I had walking with my father, at your age. This story will answer your question:

He said, “Would you like to hear what helped me when I was your age selling life insurance?”

“Please.”

He said, “What makes you feel successful?”

“Goals I’ve met, the way people see me, & how I see myself.”

He said, “Those things are important but secondary.”

I said, “So what is primary?”

(Everything below is the rest of what my father said):

He said, “I’m successful because of these 3 things:

1) Jesus values me so much: He thought me up, created me, & died for me to pay for my sins.

2) Jesus loves me.

3) I love Jesus

That's it! I am a success because of these 3 things!

Now all the pressure's off of me.

It’s the same thing my friend Coach Wooden says:

"Just do everything you're capable of to do your very best. If you do that. That is success."

“Do your best to please Jesus, not men.

Do your best to seek God's approval, not men.

Do your best to be commended by God not men.

Love God with your whole heart & learn & grow from mistakes & failures, with a sincere, honest, heart, trusting in God's rewards & goodness. It's worth it!

That is success.”

“Holy Spirit, thanks for ever being with me, never leaving me alone. Strengthen me to always do what pleases you (John 8:29; Genesis 35:3) Amen.”