Success or Failure, Irrelevant
Even when growth is invisible, what’s rooted in Him will flourish in time.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from E. Stanley Jones lifts our hearts beyond the tyranny of outcomes and into the serenity of being in Christ. Jones recounts a contrast: a governor who outwardly succeeded yet inwardly despaired, and himself—lacking visible fruit but full of joy. The difference? One labored from self; the other labored in the Lord.
Success and failure are human categories that fade in the light of Christ. In the world, we measure value by achievement. But in the Kingdom, faithfulness in Him is its own reward. Whether we speak to thousands or touch just one life, whether we see fruit in the moment or not at all, our labor is not in vain if it is in the Lord.
Jones reminds us that God’s commendation is not “Well succeeded,” but “Well done.” The emphasis is not on result, but relationship. Being true to His calling, resting in His life, and trusting His purpose transforms even drudgery into divine joy. This is the security of the believer: in Christ, even what looks like failure becomes fruitful.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I do not measure your life by results. I measure it by rest—rest in Me. You were never called to produce outcomes, but to abide. When your heart is set on Me and not on the metrics of man, you are already walking in My pleasure.
The world chases success and recoils at failure, but I have lifted you above both. Your calling is not to be impressive, but to be faithful. In Me, your smallest act is eternal. Outside of Me, your grandest achievement fades like mist in the sun.
You need not wonder whether your efforts matter. If you are walking in Me, nothing is wasted. Even what looks fruitless will bear fruit in My time. I do not ask you to carry the weight of accomplishment. I ask you to carry My yoke—easy and light—because I am the One accomplishing the work through you.
I did not commend the servant for results, but for obedience. And I say to you now: keep your eyes on Me, not on the outcome. Be steadfast. Be immovable. Abound in My work, because it is not in vain. In Me, the drab becomes divine. In Me, failure becomes seed. In Me, nothing is ever lost.
Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 15:58; John 15:4–5; Matthew 11:28–30; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 3:23–24
🧺 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like watering a seed planted deep in the soil. Day after day, nothing seems to change. The surface looks the same—bare, uneventful, maybe even discouraging. But underground, something is happening. Roots are forming, strength is being gathered, and in due time, life will break through. You’re not called to make it grow. You’re called to water it in faith.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that my life is hidden in Christ and lifted above the rise and fall of visible results. I rejoice that I do not labor for success or fear failure, for You have made me part of a Kingdom where abiding matters more than achieving. Thank You that everything done in You is never in vain. Whether seen or unseen, celebrated or unnoticed, I trust that You are accomplishing eternal things through me. My confidence is in Your life at work within me.