02 Jun God Guarantees His Success

Graduation brings a swell of emotions as parents launch their kids out into the world, and young grads wide-eyed with excitement anticipate the adventure ahead. It’s bittersweet- but as Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Amid celebrations, gifts, tassels and tears, there’s sure to be a common desire in the heart of every parent: “I want my child to succeed.”

We do. We want our kids to succeed. But we can’t guarantee success for them. No. But God can guarantee real success—spiritual success. Here’s how he says it to young Joshua who’s just been thrust into the top leadership position over Israel:

“Study the 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” (Joshua 1:8).

The promise is for success in life “in all you do.” Wow, do you love that? But the promise comes with a condition: Study the Bible. Meditate on it day and night. Obey everything written in it.

You may be thinking- it’s too late, my kid will never do that. Well, when God says so, start praying so. The prayers of a righteous “parent” are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Buy your graduate a Bible. Sit down together, talk about this verse and what it means to be successful in life and the importance of God’s Word to guide you. Your son or daughter just may start to cultivate a desire for living God’s Word as you start living it yourself (wink).

Pray for them to hunger and thirst for God (Ps. 63:1); to ask for and rely on God’s wisdom (James 1:7; Prov. 3:5-6); to be strong and courageous, to stand firm in their faith on the Truth of God’s Word (Matt. 7:24-29); to walk in obedience to God even when it’s not the popular thing to do (Ps. 1); and to love God wholeheartedly (Matt. 22:37).

The most valuable, timeless, unbreakable gift you can give your grad is a Bible—the very Word of God. Every word of it meandering through their mind, every precept metabolized into their life will draw them closer to the One and Only who promises success in following him.

Class of 2021, oh, the places you will go…with God ahead of you!

xo – P♥️🎉