If you look up the word “successful” in the New King James Version of the Bible, it is only found one time. When you think of the word “successful,” what do you think? How do you define “successful”? Does one have to make a lot of money to be “successful”? Does one have to prove himself as an outstanding businessman in order to be “successful”? What criteria do we follow today (as outlined by our society) to define whether one is “successful” or not?
Now, back to that one time in the NKJV Bible where God used the word. “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man…” (Gen. 39:2). Now, which part of that sentence is contingent on the other? Was the Lord with Joseph because he was successful, or was Joseph successful because the Lord was with him? Again, it goes back to the definition of “successful.”
Only if the Lord is with you can you be considered “successful” in the eyes of the Lord. Are you “successful”? Only if the Lord is with you. Read John 14:21-24 to see if He is with you.