Every human heart is wired with a deep need for meaning—a longing to live a life that matters. That yearning drives countless people to chase success, admire those who seem to “have it all together,” and buy into formulas that promise quick results. But for the people of God, significance and success are not found in imitation or trends—they are discovered in alignment with the One who created them for amazing plans and great exploits.
The True Secret to Success
Jesus laid out the foundational principle: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” That’s not a discouragement; it’s a revelation. It reveals that lasting impact isn’t achieved through mere talent or effort. Instead, it flows from intimacy with Jesus and growing clarity about your unique calling and purpose.
Jesus goes on to say: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father's glory that you bear much fruit.”
Here lies the secret: Remain in Him. Allow His words to remain alive in you. That’s where alignment happens. Our desires shift, bold prayers rise, and the fruit we produce becomes undeniable. And that kind of fruit—spiritual, relational, and even professional—is the kind that remains. It’s permanent. It’s meaningful. It reflects the Kingdom's reality.
But the journey expands beyond mere alignment. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we step into divine momentum. God has extraordinary exploits prepared for His people—works of impact, influence, and transformation. We are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” These aren’t ordinary plans. They’re God-sized missions that demand faith, focus, and the capacity to carry God’s anointing.
The Trap of Comparison
In our pursuit of purpose, it’s tempting to try to replicate someone else’s success - whether it’s ministry styles, leadership approaches, or branding strategies. It’s easy to fall into the trap of duplication, assuming that what worked for others will work for you.
But God doesn’t operate on a one-size-fits-all system. He is too creative, too intentional, and too personal. Your calling is not a copy – it’s an original masterpiece.
Even if you share a similar field, function, or title, your expression is distinct. The goal isn't replication but revelation. God wants to show you how to walk in your inspired design.
Celebrate others without feeling threatened. Others should inspire you. Allow their success to stir your faith and raise your expectations. But don’t imitate. It may seem safe, but it short-circuits identity.
Inspiration should spark a deeper pursuit of God – not duplication of another’s assignment. Let what you admire become fuel for discovery, not a shortcut to identity.
Comparison kills clarity and undermines confidence. Stay focused on the unique path God is paving for you and find fulfillment in becoming who God already sees you as.
Called to Serve, Created to Conquer
Regardless of your role —whether you are a pastor, entrepreneur, student, or artist—you are called to ministry. Ministry means service and every believer is empowered to serve others in a way that reflects God's heart and power. When you remain in Jesus, and His Word shapes your mindset and actions, your life begins to overflow with fruit—impact, influence, and legacy.
And here is the Greatness Paradox: In the Kingdom, true greatness is not achieved through self-promotion but through self-sacrifice. Dying to self produces genuine fulfillment. It qualifies you for greater promotion. Your greatness is revealed in how you pour out what has been placed within you.
So don’t settle for safe or small. God is raising people of boldness—those who dare to pray big, dream big, and step into exploits that shake nations and glorify heaven. His plans for you aren’t average. They are strategic. Powerful. World-shifting. And as you abide in Him, He reveals divine opportunities, assigns new territories, and opens doors no man can shut.
The Takeaway
Success without Jesus might impress—but it won’t last. True significance is eternal. It’s discovered when we align with God’s heart, walk in our unique assignment, and boldly ask for His glory to be revealed through our lives. That’s when we can live out the great exploits He planned before you were even born.
But don’t stop there – expect more. Expect increase. Expect acceleration. Expect connections and Kingdom opportunities. When you live in alignment with God’s calling, significance and success won’t just be possible – they’ll be inevitable.
Stay focused. Stay expectant. Your greatest days are ahead.
Randy Gladden
