Success Stories
Noah - preacher of righteousness for over 100 years. No known responses outside his own family.
Stephen - only one sermon we know of and he was stoned by those he was preaching to.
Paul, chosen by God to take the Gospel before Kings. Paul before rulers, zero conversions
Yet, God commends each of these. He called Noah a preacher of righteousness and “saved” the world through him. He used Paul to write more inspired books in The Book than any other author. The Lord showed great care and concern for Stephen.
In God’s economy of things, the measurement of success is often different than that of the world. Our world measures by bling, fame, and numbers. Our Lord measures by faithfulness: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
I do not know who or how you are being judged. Maybe a deacon who doesn’t like how long you preach. Perhaps a member who wishes you were more like Brother ______. It’s possible an elder who does not believe the numbers are where they should be. Each of those can drain our energy, destroy our passion, and quell our spirits. And, while we must always strive to be better, you also must NEVER forget, that the Lord’s scale is tipped to faithfulness in the mission of preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. And, as you well know, in the end, nothing else really matters.
YOUR FAITH IS A SUCCESS STORY!