RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

By: Dennis Harworth

Seeing the recipe for my favorite chocolate cake on the kitchen counter brought an eager excitement for what was to come.  Just the very thought of this delicious cake that the recipe promised, caused me to drool.  Thinking about the irresistible chocolate frosting smeared generously over the rich, moist, layered cake brought memories of sweet satisfaction. Unfortunately, the recipe alone, will not create the cake and the only enjoyment will be but a memory. 

A recipe by definition, is a set of instructions to prepare something, mainly in baking or cooking.  In order to be effective and have optimum results, a recipe requires a list of ingredients, each with exact measurements, and step-by-step instructions.  It should be obvious that if you don’t follow the instructions, your end result could be a baking disaster.

There is a recipe for success that many people think will lead them to having power, wealth, influence, status, and achievements.  However, God’s simple recipe for success is contrary to the world’s way of thinking and is found in Joshua 1:7-8:

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do (NLT, emphasis added).

So, if you really want to prosper and succeed in all you do, just follow this divine recipe.  First of all, you must be strong and very courageous because the life ahead of you is not going to be easy.  Second, you must obey God’s Word exactly – without any deviation or doing what you think is right (Proverbs 21:2).  Finally, you must continually study and meditate on His Word, day and night.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:8 NKJV, emphasis added).   

Following this divine recipe may not produce success by the world’s standards, but it guarantees success in God’s eyes – and that is what absolutely matters most!  Your success can be measured by the result of experiencing God’s faithfulness and His sweet goodness, For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:9). 

While you might not face military battles like Joshua, God’s promise extended to you is to be victorious in getting through life’s difficult circumstances and challenges.  By His strength, courage and confidence you will be able to overcome life’s obstacles.  By your obedience, you will spend your days in prosperity, and your years in pleasures (Job 36:11).  By daily meditating on God’s Word, you will be fruitful and prospering in whatever you do (Psalm 1:2-3).  Therefore, get ready to enjoy a satisfying life of success and prosperity when you carefully follow God’s RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.