God’s Template for Success

There is infinite value for us in the Bible because God is infinite and the Bible communicates to us His Word, His Will, and His Way. So, it should not surprise us when we find many applications from the same passage of Scripture. For instance, let’s consider Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

This passage overflows with valuable messages from God, including those that tell us how to succeed at any task. Let’s break it down.

Discretionary Time

When we are confident that the Holy Spirit has called us to do a specific work, we begin by surrounding ourselves with people who will encourage us in that work—spouses, best friends, team members, and so forth.

Next, we let go of all the things that will consume our discretionary time. I know that we usually associate the word discretionary with money, money that we have after paying our bills. However, most of us have discretionary time. We call this our free time. How much time do we waste on endlessly watching Facebook reels and clickbait? We have the time if we are willing to apply it to the vision.

Then we make a plan. To reach a goal, we need a plan. For years, it has fascinated me that every work of God starts with a vision. Maybe, but not necessarily, like the one Apostle Peter had. Still, a vision was birthed in us by the Holy Spirit. And from that vision, we find a strategy, and from the strategy, we create a plan to accomplish the vision.

With a vision, a strategy, and a plan, we present it to Jesus and count the cost. (Luke 14:28-30 NLT) Are we willing to make the sacrifices we will need to fulfill God’s call? Are we willing to suffer loss for the joy God has prepared for us when we complete what He has called us to? Will we endure neighsayers and scoffers both inside and outside of our local church?

God’s Process for Us to Succeed

God’s character is to reveal aspects of His nature and will progressively. This is a whole Bible study, so please accept this as possibly true and fact-check it yourself.

Another part our obedience is this: Are we willing to adjust the plan and the strategy without changing the vision? Jesus gave His Apostles a vision in the 14th chapter of the Book of John. (John 14)

The Apostle Peter kept this vision and was willing to change and accept a more complete understanding of both the strategy and the plan that Jesus had for effectively implementing His intent for His Gospel. (Acts 10:3) Here is the account:

Apostle Peter went to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, with only a vision. He thought he already understood Christ’s complete strategy:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

And Peter thought he knew the strategy. They were to begin where the Apostles lived, and from there, to grow the Church in stages, concentric rings, so to speak. Peter thought he had Jesus’ complete plan:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Peter thought he understood the plan. The Apostles were to go, to baptize, to teach, so that Jesus’ kingdom would expand and people would be saved from eternal punishment.

Strategies and Plans Change, but not the Vision

When Peter entered Cornellius’ home and found a Gentile congregation, he realized that Jesus was expanding the plan he thought he had understood. In Acts 10:44, we learn: “Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.” The Gentiles received the same baptism by the Holy Spirit as the Jews had.

The vision Jesus gave to Peter didn’t change. The strategy and plan stayed true to that vision, but the Holy Spirit expanded them. The plan had to be updated to accommodate both Jews and Gentiles.

The Reward for Success

The work Jesus has given you will require a cost and will be tested, but God’s joy awaits you if you follow Jesus and complete the work. Remember that Jesus said His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT) and His desire is “that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

If you have a vision from God, reread Hebrews 12:1-2 and apply it to your strategy and plan, and see what God does!

No matter what it’s all about, it’s all about Him1.