The bible teaches us that it’s God that gives us the power, ability, knowledge and strength to get ‘wealth’, and that is very true…
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV)
18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may [a]establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
But, how many times have you heard someone say, or said yourself, “I deserved everything that I have because I worked hard for it!”
You planned…
You’ve worked hard…
You’ve sacrificed…
You’ve made good decisions.
You even had great faith.
Let me give you a quick reminder in humility and God’s grace and mercy…
Yes, you definitely ‘earned’ it, but be very careful before you say you deserve it.
Before you say that you deserve your success and influence because of your hard work and effort, think about all of the people who also planned, worked hard, sacrificed, made good decisions, and had great faith…and for whatever reason, things just didn’t work out.
Think about all of the businesses that fail every day.
Think about all of the relationships that fall apart every day.
There are plenty of people who have planned and worked…
Just as hard or harder…
Just as smart or smarter…
Sacrificed just as much and more…
Made decisions that were just as good or better…
And, things just didn’t work out in their favor.
From the macro-economic environment, to social conditions, unforeseen sicknesses and circumstances, there are innumerable reasons why sometimes hard work is not rewarded with success.
And let us not forget about those people who want to work but can’t because of a disability they can’t help.
All in all, it’s only by God’s grace and mercy and His plan for our lives that things, work out as we hope and plan.
Remember…
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
9 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Psalm 128:1-4 (NKJV)
Blessed is every one who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the [a]labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.
It’s God’s will for you to enjoy the fruit of your labor, but never forget that any ‘success’ is only through His grace and mercy.
Don’t let the enemy to allow arrogance into your testimony.
If you have ever worked hard, planned well, sacrificed, made great decisions and had great faith, only to have things not work out in your favor, please respond to this post as a testimony. Be humble in your success, and never steal God’s glory, grace and mercy for yourself.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 
I can attest that very little has ever worked out for me. I’m 50 years old and I’ve come to the conclusion that, although I believe in God, He may have willed that I die without much success at work. It’s the reason I quit and retired early. The workplace and a career isn’t for me. And if he wills that I don’t succeed with a job, there’s nothing I can do about it. So I’m only going to spend the rest of my life being a housewife and doing what I love which is writing and blogging. That’s the only power I have. If God wills it not, there’s no point in continuing on in whatever you’re doing. And I accept it.
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Keep blogging. If it’s His will, I pray that millions read your blog every day!
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Thank you so much. I hope so too because it can help so many. All I care about is the blog helping other targets of bullying around the world. As for success, my siblings have enough success for us all so I’m sure they’ve found favor with God somehow, which is good. But at 50 years old I no longer care about reaching any success. And if you don’t care about something, then it can’t bother you.
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My daughter was relentlessly bullied. Thanks so much for all you do! I’m 53 and can relate to how you feel. Stay encouraged. Your humility will protect your heart.
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Thank you so much, Mr. Johnson. My heart and prayers go out to your daughter. God bless her! ❤
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Thanks so much. She’s 33 now, but scars remain.
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You’re most welcome. And I completely understand.
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