Success...

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. —quote on Mother Teresa’s bedroom wall

She wasn’t attractive by the world’s standards. She was poor. She worked among the dying. She had no husband or children. And yet she was known to millions as “Mother.” (Her nickname was Mama T!) The Albanian Roman Catholic nun, Mother Teresa, gave herself to those on the lowest rung of society’s ladder. Were it not for the worldwide renown she garnered, which included winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, few looking at this small woman, who led a small life, would have considered her a “success.”

By the world’s standards, the successful are wealthy. They are powerful. They are attractive. If they “help” people—by providing education or opportunities—then those they help become “successful” as well. While success belongs to a few, excellence is available to all. In God’s eyes, a successful woman fulfills the destiny God has assigned to her. In God’s eyes, success doesn’t look like the prestigious corner office on the top floor of a skyscraper. Godly success looks like caring for neighborhood children with energy, imagination, and love. True success—excellent living—is when a woman’s thoughts, decisions, and actions honor God.

Application

1. In your family of origin, what types of people were considered “successful”?

2. Are you a success in the eyes of the world? What does Christ see when He looks at you? In what ways is God calling you to “success” as a kingdom woman?

Prayer

Mighty God, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Help me to be exactly what You’ve made me to be and teach me to seek success in Your eyes! Amen.

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