On Achieving Extraordinary Success

Bonnie St. John, a professional speaker and Olympic medalist asked, “How does a person achieve extraordinary success?” she gave an example taken from Ken Kragen, a major Hollywood agent, who took talented performers like Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, and Lionel Ritchie and made them superstars. His observations on what makes the difference between a star and a superstar might surprise you. Lots of people sing beautifully, work hard, and stay focused, yet still don’t make it to the top. According to Ken, author of Life is a Contact Sport, superstars are usually the people who get the most help. He taught his clients to cultivate help by making more contacts, sending more thank you notes, and just being nice. Being “helpable” is key to achieving your full potential.

The only way to achieve success is to partner with someone who has it. It is not enough to become successful without the “help” of another person. No one becomes successful on his or her own. As the famous saying goes, “Behind the success of every man is a woman” proves it without a doubt. Even the Lone Ranger has Tonto with him at all times. Thus, no one cannot and must claim success by himself or herself.

But what does the Bible speaks of experiencing “extraordinary success” for anyone who desires it? The Bible is filled with many examples of men and women who through the help of God experienced tremendous success. One that stands out is when God spoke to Joshua Himself and revealed to him what he needed to do to gain success. It was a needed boost as he was to replace Moses as the leader of Israel. And God said to Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV) Joshua needed to do something consistently and with commitment, i.e., adhere to God’s Word.

However, it must be remembered that success can never be achieved overnight. Let me share to you a story I come cross: “When James Garfield (later President of the U.S.) was principal of Hiram College in Ohio, a father asked him if the course of study could be simplified so that his son might be able to go through by a shorter route. "Certainly," Garfield replied. "But it all depends on what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years. When He wants to make a squash he requires only two months. We are producing too many squashes and not enough oak trees in our day.” Success involves time factor and it can never be separated from achieving genuine success. Thus, the main ingredient of time that the Lord gave Joshua must be upheld to ensure attaining the result he wanted.

Having established clear parameters that the key to obtaining extraordinary success comes from faithful adherence to the Word of God, consideration of time and consistent commitment to do everything written in God’s Word, then we are guaranteed success. Just make sure that no matter what we see and feel, we will not be moved away from completing our desired goal. With God on our side, who can be against us? Remember that what God said He would do and He always fulfills what He says to the last point.

Thus, the point of the whole mater is this: let God be on our side. Also, let Him supply the right people and success, God’s way is guaranteed! Although, there is much opposition that may arise along the way, never look at them as hindrances but opportunities to improve what lies before you. Once the mindset is set-up this way, there is nothing that will impede your progress towards gaining extraordinary success. Nothing great was achieved without going through great things whether they are positive or negative things.

The principle that God gave Joshua more than 4,000 years ago is still relevant to our time today. If God holds the key, what will stop you from obtaining it for yourself especially when available? Just make sure you are ready to adhere to it wholeheartedly.

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Straining Towards the Goal

Here is the Apostle Paul’s ministry philosophy stated in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.“ (NIV)

What is your philosophy towards the future in fulfilling your life goals? As the 2010 Vancouver Games concluded, there were many things that I personally learned and experienced. Primarily, it has united a country towards one goal and purpose where many might see as trivial. Yet one way or another, the games has done more good than bad to this adopted country of mine. To this I say, I am proud to be Canadian. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity to appreciate its national anthem even more. It was sung many times over during these past two weeks than any other. It was an anthem of prayer for “God keep our land” and declared by many echoing in the different time zones and regions. Truly, something wonderful happened that the whole world noticed it.

Having such a perspective unifies purpose and goal that builds a nation and people. But most importantly, it builds an individual to pursue greater things as well. The Apostle Paul is such an individual that we can all emulate in our time. In this opportunity to host the world in these games, Canada adopted a call to all to “Own the Podium” program that many poked at being too serious. This is exactly an echo of what Paul declared for himself. And this was the reason why Canada broke the record for having the most number of gold medals earned by any host country and from all Winter Olympics in the past. This was the fruit of such declaration and intention.

One aspect that piqued my interest was in the area of Long Track Speed Skating Men’s Team Pursuit that produced gold against USA was “The Push.” Here’s the story behind it: Skating against the United States in the gold-medal race, the Canadian team brought out their secret weapon - a speed skating tactic called The Push, which was kept under wraps for three years in preparation for Vancouver. The Push, in which each skater gently nudges the teammate in front of him at key times to keep the group from losing momentum, helped down the United States by a mere 0.21 seconds. It was, as Canadian coach Marcel Lacroix would later describe, the difference maker. "It's very subtle, you don't really see it, but it was so effective today it was stupid," the coach said after the race. After the race, Makowsky described the strategy as a slight push coming out of each corner, where the front skater tends to lose momentum due to air resistance. The skaters drafting behind him provide momentum with the third skater pushing the second, and the second pushing the first. "It was something that we worked on. It really helped us today, especially in those last couple of laps when we were all getting tired," Makowsky said. "It's definitely not something you can pick up overnight, that's why we've been practising it."

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul was talking about and doing to pursue his goal and to attain the ultimate heavenly prize reserved for him by God. It cannot be attained overnight but must be practiced until it becomes a natural part of life. It should not be based on a theory but must be embedded in the mindset and actions. In order to reach the goal, nothing and no one should become a stumbling-block but a stepping-stone to propel you towards the prize. It is always a journey not an excursion. And only the persistent and disciplined prevails. The only difference between gold and silver was a mere 0.21 seconds but it was considered as the difference-maker of the game. They strained towards the finish line with all their might and the push worked in their favor.

Whatever you are facing right now, God is behind you with His own brand of ‘The Push” for us to receive our prize in heaven when the time comes.

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Never Quit nor Give up

These words, “I quit” and “I give up” are very common expressions that many utter when there’s a feeling of hopelessness and despair. But is this the only recourse when we are confronted with such feelings? Dale Carnegie states, “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”(ESV)

When you feel like quitting and giving up, remember this simple story: “One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The same in year four. "Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. "Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. "Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high" "How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned, "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up on you.”

Here’s the lesson to learn from this conversation: Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life. By having this point of view, it allows us to see it in a different light. It does make sense when you come to think about it, no two problems are the same. They have their own purpose to build us up or to pull us down. How we see them makes a huge difference. It’s either they are stepping stones or stumbling blocks. You need to make a choice of what to make of it!

The most important to know is that God is always with us no matter what and we need Him whether we admit it or not. When things do not make sense, just ask Him before you make any final decision whatsoever. It is always easy to give up. But know that you will always come back to it anyway. Giving up is just like pressing the “pause button” and it is still there. Unlike computers, there is no “escape button” when things go wrong. Therefore, keep looking at our circumstances from God’s perspective and it will aid us to appreciate that while there is dark cloud hanging above us, just continue to see through it because God is on the other side with His hands to help us.

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LITTLE BITES OF GOD’S INSTRUCTION

“Little Becky had just finished eating supper with her mom and dad. When her dad went upstairs to brush his teeth, Becky followed him and sat sheepishly on the counter. At first she just sat there. Finally, her conscience made her speak. "Daddy, I don't like broccoli."

"I know," said her father, "But broccoli is good for you and that's why I insisted that you eat it. You did eat it didn't you?"

Becky was quiet again for several seconds. At last her guilty conscience insisted that she confess. "I ate it daddy, but I didn't swallow it." Then she showed him that the broccoli was indeed still tucked away in the corner of her little mouth.”

Hearing this true little sketch from Becky's life, anyone can identify with her. Many times we read in the Bible a command from God or He impresses upon us some other way concerning a corrective action He wants us to take. We delight to hear God speak to us, but we are not always so delighted to take the steps of obedience He is laying out for us. We eat the broccoli, so to speak, but don't "swallow it" by actually doing what He told us to do. We don't put it into action. James tells us that we are to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers who delude themselves (James 1:22).

What about you? Do you take "bites" of God's instructions for your life, and then not "swallow" it? Do you take just enough to ease your conscience, but then not put it into practice so that it will bring the necessary changes and growth? The proof of whether or not we are really "swallowing" or appropriating God's word is the demonstration of the benefit that will be there if we are. Development and change will be evident in our daily lives.

Having the desire to receive bite-sized instructions from God’s word will provide the necessary nutrients to overcome any challenges that we will face. Looking from God’s perspective: challenges become opportunities and stumbling blocks become steppingstones. This is the kind of mindset that God wanted anyone to attain. Is it impossible? The Scripture clearly states, “Everything is possible to those who believe!” The only thing that will usually hinder is the “I can’t” attitude.

Looking carefully at what God has provided us in His word, He has given already what we needed to do. An allocated time to read His words daily will assist us in accomplishing His purpose and plan for our life. Furthermore, He holds the keys towards successful living. And it is made available to us within our reach but He must be obeyed wholeheartedly. Without a wholehearted attention, everything will be fruitless and it must be done His way to receive the complete package of blessings.

How many times that we miss it due to our disobedience and stubbornness? Is it too many to count? Then, begin to assess where you are now and decide to receive God’s bite-sized instructions for successful living. How? By being an empty vessel with hunger and thirst for God’s word, then, it becomes a direct invitation send out to God’s attention. He will meet us where we are. And when it takes place, stand attention for He will open the door to enter in.

Remember this simple fact: God will never give us anything that will not assist in our maturity and development. Although we may not understand completely the logic of what is happening to us, but in due time, it will all make sense. For now, it must be enough to know that whatever situation we are involved is good for us. In addition, never pre-judge anything immediately as bad or good. Because when we do, we show our true colors of mistrust and suspicions based on our own biases. Just go through it holding on to God’s promise and instructions and you will be just fine. Therefore, no matter what you are going through right now, bitter, sweet or bittersweet, always know that He will never leave us nor forsake us especially if our life is in His hands. He will not let you go no matter what. That’s a guarantee!

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Focus of Life

“A few years ago a woman was standing on top of a fifty-four story building in New York City, ready to jump to her death. The police suicide squad took her threats extremely seriously. She didn't look the type, in her expensive dress and with her distinguished appearance, but regardless of her appearance, every attempt to convince her to get down from the ledge ended in failure. One of the police officers called his pastor to come to the scene and pray for the woman. His pastor came, and after appraising the situation, asked the police captain if he might try to get close enough to talk with the woman. The captain shrugged and said, "Sure, what have we got to lose?" The pastor started walking toward the woman, but she screamed as before, "Don't come any closer or I'll jump!" He took a step backward and called out to her, I'm sorry that you believe no one loves you. "This got her attention and also the attention of the suicide squad - it was such an unusual thing to say, "Your children and grandchildren must not love you. Apparently they never give you any attention," he continued. With this, the woman took a step toward the pastor and said, "My grandchildren do love me. My whole family does. My grandchildren are wonderful. I have eight grandchildren." The pastor took a step toward the woman and said, "Well then, you must be very poor, or you wouldn't want to take your own life." The woman, who was obviously overweight, said, "Do I look like I go without meals? We live in a very nice apartment in Central Park. The pastor then took another step and was only three feet from her. "Then why do you want to kill yourself? I don't understand." The woman thought for a moment and said, "You know, I don't really remember."

This true story ended with the pastor escorting the woman off the ledge and she showed him pictures of her grandchildren. She eventually became a volunteer on the city's suicide hotline. The pastor helped her get her eyes off herself and onto the many ways that God had blessed her. She learned that thankful people are happy people. "Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever" (Psalms 136:26). In this story, when the eyes of the woman were taken off from her dilemma by the assistance of the pastor towards the blessings she had received, her attention and focus was diverted to what matters the most in her life. How quickly we forget the many blessings we have received just because of one bad situation. I believe that we need to realize that negative circumstances are part of life and must expect them. To be surprised at their arrival in our life is denial on one’s part of its reality. One must realize this simple fact that there will be trials and problems and they can come through marriage, children, employment, friends and many others.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:33, “I have given you my peace because in this you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” Jesus gave us the focus that we need to have, i.e., his provision of peace and joy. We have lots of blessings more than trials and problems we will have. That is why when you count your blessings; a great discovery of this fact will be uncovered. As Canada has four seasons: summer, spring winter and fall, these seasons also parallel what we experience in one’s life. But the most important thing to remember about it is this: they come and go as part of the natural cycle of our environment. We cannot stop them from coming but we can only prepare for its arrival. And it is the same principle that must operate in our life today. Being armed with this knowledge provides us the necessary equipment to overcome and not to be overcome by them.

Life has many things to offer and trials are one of them, thus, let us see them as stepping stones for our growth and development rather than stumbling block along our path. In this way, we will be victorious always.

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