Prosperous and Successful: True Success in God’s Eyes

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Thursday Commentary

Prosperous and Successful

In Joshua 1:7–9, the Lord calls Joshua to be strong and courageous, to keep His law, and to meditate on it day and night. The promise is clear: if Joshua does this, he will be prosperous and successful. But what do those words mean in God’s eyes?

The Bible consistently defines prosperity and success not in terms of wealth, status, or ease, but in terms of walking in God’s will. Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:40 was “prospered” on his mission because God’s angel went before him. Isaiah 53:10 tells us that the suffering Servant, though crushed, would “prosper” in the will of the Lord. Psalm 1:1–3 paints the picture of true success: the one who delights in God’s law is like a tree planted by streams of water, fruitful and enduring. In all these passages, prosperity means aligning our lives with God’s Word and bearing fruit for His glory.

Romans 3:31 reminds us that faith does not nullify the law but rather upholds it. The law shows us God’s will and character; faith unites us to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf. Our obedience is never the root of our righteousness but rather the fruit of our faith in Him.

Still, however much we seek to keep God’s law by His grace, our failures quickly remind us of our need for Christ’s covering righteousness. Each broken commandment reveals the gap between God’s holiness and our weakness. Yet this need is not defeat—it is an invitation to cling more fully to Christ, whose perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice make us truly prosperous and successful in the only way that matters: standing accepted before God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that true prosperity is found not in worldly gain but in walking with You. Help me to meditate on Your Word, delight in Your law, and find my success in Your will. When I fall short, remind me of my deep need for Christ’s righteousness, and cover me with His grace. Make me fruitful for Your kingdom, rooted and strong in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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