Success means your options multiply. Size increases complexity, and complexity can confuse vision.

Jesus isn't dependent on natural provision. If we need something, as a matter of first things first, we don't need to ask the people who have enough if they will provide for us. Corporations and rich people aren't in charge of the kingdom of God.

It doesn't matter if you do important things. What matters is that you draw close to me.

What's great now is that I know that Jesus trumps our desires. Jesus opens up a story for us that fulfills (and exceeds) our heart's desire if we delight in him. Jesus doesn't cram us into preset molds; he molds us for God-birthed purposes.

Enough of little lives led by little people, crumpling under the weight of stress. And enough of empty ambition masquerading as something grand yet marked by the numbing effects of a vacant heart.

We can either choose to cling to starring roles in the little-bitty stories of us or opt to exchange our fleeting moment in the spotlight for a supporting role in the eternally beautiful epic that is the Story of God. I

I'm talking about influence that God wants to give us. I'm talking about opportunities. I'm talking about walking in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. I'm talking about stepping out in obedience. I'm talking about prayer and action. If our hearts are wide open in faith, then God is wide open to us.

Whatever is to make us better and happy, God has placed either openly before us or close to us.

In essence he declared, "If I have to choose between Your presence and Your blessing, I'll take Your presence—even if it's in a place of lack and hardship—over Your blessing in a great environment.

Lord, I want to know You the best a man can know You. I want to please You the best a man can please You. Show me Your heart, reveal to me what is important to You, and show me what is not so important to You. Teach me Your ways and may my life bring joy to You...

Whenever our pursuit is for blessings instead of for the Lord, He will remove or withhold so that we will cry out for Him again.

No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).