If God Wants Me to be Successful, Why is it so Hard?

Have you ever had a time in your life when you've asked, "God, if you want me to be successful, why is it so hard?

This week, David and I have gotten one piece of bad news after another creating a string of frustration and disheartened demeanors.

I'm gently reminded of Paul's words, "Therefore do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed each day." 2 Corinthians 4:16

But sometimes it's hard. Really hard.

Today, as I read the Bible and prayed, I had a revelation. What success is for us may look different than what success looks like for us to God. To us, as small business owners, it may come in the form of sales, receiving our merchandise on time, financial blessings, or finding the right products and employees.

God reminded me that He is more interested in our character and spiritual growth than He is our finances and things being "easy." He wants us to depend on Him, keep talking to Him, keep believing and trusting that He will make us successful in the ways that matter.

When Jesus died a horrendous death on the cross, God was pleased with Him because He continued to trust His Father. I want to be like Jesus, trusting God even in death.

When we feel like we're sinking may we be reminded "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

He's got me. He's got you. He's got us.