The Formula For Success

Moses was commissioned by God to liberate the Hebrew people from their bondage in Egypt, then the world power. The journey to the promised land of Canaan took many years - - 40 years - - such that Moses was already 120 years old. However, he never stepped into, but he was only shown by God, the promised land. The Bible says, “And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pesgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord showed him, all the land… and Moses died there in the land of Moab… and he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this day (Deut. 34:1, 5-6 KJV).

After the death of Moses, the LORD God spoke to Joshua, his Deputy or Assistant, saying, “… go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel” [Jacob] (Josh. 1:1-2 KJV). God gave to Joshua this encouraging words of assurance:

^“5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (vs. 5, NIV)

and gave the following instructions:

^“6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (vs. 6–9 NIV).

Analyzing the instructions of God to Joshua, the formula for the success of his mission are the following:

1. Fidelity and faithfulness to the word of God (vs. 8);

2. Determination to succeed in his mission (vss. 6, 7 & 9);

3. He must be very courageous (vs. 7);

The LORD God additionally made the encouraging assurance that “I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (vs. 5).

Fidelity and faithfulness to the Word of God: “This book of the law (the Bible) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein”.

To truly succeed in any human endeavor, one must know by heart the canonized Word of God and “observe to do according to all that is written therein”… “turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest” (vs. 7). This will require hard work, diligence and much patience (in Tagalog, magsipag ka) and partnership with God. The all wise King Solomon said, “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful (lazy) shall be under tribute” (Prov. 12:24). He further said, “He becometh poor that dealeth with slack (lazy) hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich” (Prov. 10:4 KJV).

Determination and courage: The LORD God emphasized by repeating the words “Be strong and of a good courage (vss. 6 & 9) and He further underscored it by saying “only be thou strong and VERY courageous” (vs. 7). Speaking through the prince of all prophets, God had promised his abiding presence in the believer as follows:

^“10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

X X X X X X X X X

¹³ For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isa. 41:10 & 13 NIV)

The LORD Jesus Christ confirmed the truth of this promise to the believer by saying, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 KJV).

Whatever be our mission or ambition in life, the foregoing instructions are a good, workable and sure fire formula. Let us remember that good things and the very best in this life are achieved through hard work and diligence, with blessing from God.

Salvation is free so that it is available to all regardless of social status, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, man or woman, young or old, Jew or Gentile (including all races of mankind). Thus, the Bible tells us, “For by grace (undeserved favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9 KJV). Only be a faithful believer of God. A believer is known by the fruit of the Holy Spirit in him, namely: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness (not rude), goodness, faith (always believing in his heart), meekness (not boastful) and temperance (self-control). (Galatians 5:22).

Do we want to succeed in any endeavor in this world, and to succeed in entering heaven, the promised paradise to all believers? Let us remember the encouragement and do with diligence the instructions of God to Joshua.