"The Work, the Walk, and the Wisdom"
We live in a culture obsessed with results, but God is far more concerned with process.
We celebrate success like it's the finish line…
And we treat failure like it's a funeral.
But Scripture teaches us something different:
- Success isn't final
- Failure isn't fatal
- Growth happens in the journey
Tonight, we're talking about how God shapes us between the wins and the losses, between the waiting and the work, and between isolation and community.
POINT 6: Success Is Not Final and Failure Is Not Fatal
Romans 8:28 (AMP) And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
James 1:2-3 (AMP) 2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Both success and failure are teachers.
- Failure teaches dependence
- Success tests humility
God doesn't waste seasons.
He uses every win and every loss to shape character and strengthen faith.
If you never fail, you never learn.
If you only win, pride creeps in.
Illustration
Think about school:
You don't learn more from the test you ace—you learn from the one you fail and review.
Key Takeaways
- Failure teaches.
- Success tests humility.
Application
- Reflect after setbacks instead of replaying shame.
- Stay grounded after wins instead of chasing applause.
Bright Idea
After every season, ask: What did I learn?
Reflection
- How do I usually respond to success or failure?
- What lesson might God be teaching me right now?
POINT 7: Stop Waiting for the Right Moment—Make the Moment Right
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (AMP) "He who watches the wind will not sow…"
Proverbs 22:13 (AMP) The lazy one [manufactures excuses and] says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets [if I go out to work]!"
Waiting for perfect conditions is often fear dressed up as wisdom.
Faith doesn't wait—it moves.
Clarity often comes after obedience, not before it.
If you wait until:
- You feel ready
- You have more money
- You're more confident
You'll stay stuck.
Key Takeaways
- Action builds momentum.
- Delay disguises fear.
Application
- Take imperfect action.
- Stop waiting for clarity.
Bright Idea
Progress beats perfection.
Reflection
- What step am I delaying?
- What action can I take today?
POINT 8: If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone—If You Want to Go Far, Go Together
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (AMP) "Two are better than one…"
Proverbs 11:14 (AMP) 14 Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.
Teaching
God never designed success to be a solo act.
Isolation breeds burnout.
Community builds endurance.
You don't need more motivation—you need the right people.
Illustration
A single log burns fast.
Logs stacked together burn longer and hotter.
Key Takeaways
- Community multiplies impact.
- Collaboration builds sustainability.
Application
- Invite accountability.
- Build partnerships.
Bright Idea
Success grows stronger when shared.
Reflection
- Who supports my growth?
- Who should I invite into my journey?
POINT 9: The Best Revenge Is Massive Success
Romans 12:19 (AMP) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
1 Peter 3:9 (AMP) 9 and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another's well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].
Teaching
Bitterness drains energy.
Focus produces freedom.
God says, "Let Me handle justice—you handle purpose."
When you chase revenge, you lose momentum.
When you chase excellence, God handles the rest.
Key Takeaways
- Focus produces freedom.
- God defends His people.
Application
- Release bitterness.
- Channel energy into excellence.
Bright Idea
Let God handle revenge while you pursue purpose.
Reflection
- Is resentment draining my energy?
- How can I redirect that energy toward growth?
POINT 10: The Results You're Looking For Are in the Work You've Been Avoiding
Colossians 3:23 (AMP) Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
Teaching
Avoidance blocks breakthrough.
The cave you fear most often holds the treasure you seek.
Discipline doesn't limit freedom—it creates it.
Illustration
People don't fail because the work is impossible.
They fail because the work is uncomfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Discipline builds confidence.
- Avoidance blocks breakthrough.
Application
- Do hard tasks first.
- Work as worship.
Bright Idea
Do the hard thing first.
Reflection
- What task have I been avoiding?
- How would viewing work as worship change my mindset?
CLOSING
Success isn't a destination.
Failure isn't a death sentence.
Community matters.
Action matters.
Work matters.
And God is using every season to shape you into who He's called you to be.
So ask yourself one final question:
What is God inviting me to do next—and am I willing to move?