I used to have an unhealthy idea of success. I guess you can say I’m overly ambitious. I’ve always been the type of girl who had to have it all together. But when I finished undergrad, I honestly felt behind. I felt like everyone’s life was “together” and everyone was moving so fast, and I had to keep up and “stay ahead of the game” to excel. I obsessed over buying a nicer car, moving into a dope place, obtaining my degree(s) and certifications, finding a relationship, and living the life I envisioned in my head.
After working so hard and relying on my own strength to “make things happen for myself”. God finally began to “block my success”. I lost one of my jobs that I worked hard for in undergrad. I lost my car due to an accident. I lost business connections and friendships. I was super anxious all the time because I didn’t ‘feel’ successful while losing almost everything I’d worked so hard for within a few months. Through the hard time, I realized God disabled me from gaining success so that I could refocus my heart on Him and not the fleeting things of this world.
Society says grind, grind, grind, but the Lord says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes, God calls us to a season of rest to be in His presence and refresh and refocus. If you’re like me, you know it’s hard to sit still. It’s counter-cultural to sit still. Sitting still may feel and look like you’re losing, while everyone else is “making power moves.”
But I assure you, if you sit still and stay obedient, you’re winning. REAL SUCCESS IS BEING IN THE WILL OF GOD. Real success is having the desire to please Him and not this world. Success looks different on everyone. Success postgrad may look like staying with your parents while you save up for your own place. Success may look like waiting till your career is established to finally travel outside the country for your first time. Success may look like driving a rinky-dink car so you can pay down your credit card debt. Success may look like you’re losing to the rest of the world, but if you’re in the will of God, honey, you’re WINNING.
Xoxo,
Tori