By now a large crowd was gathering at the scene.

How humiliating and down right shocking was the event unfolding before their eyes.  Never before had so many spectators joined the mob in so short a time.   It’s dusty and dirty and the terrain is not very safe, but it’s worth it. This was the moment they had all been waiting for.  This was the moment where it all came to an end.  Screaming, yelling, crying and even occasional laughter fill the air.  Was this really happening?  Was this the end?

So many promises, so many dreams, so much hope fading before their eyes.  Most of the onlookers that day felt relief.  A mad mans pursuit of division and dissidence would be silenced.  For some this was a failure that cut right to the heart.  How could this be happening?  How could it all be over?

To everyone watching that day, Jesus’ crucifixion and death looked like the exact opposite of success.  His ministry on earth had ended and it seemed like He had failed.Yet it was at this moment that He was winning the most important victory in the history of the world.  It turned out to be the greatest success story ever told.  It didn’t matter what the onlookers thought, He could see the end in sight.  He knew how the story would turn out.

What is success?

Webster defines success as: a favorable or desired outcome.

What will be your outcome?

Hebrews 11:1 says “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see”. NLT

Do you believe that whatever your circumstance, God sees you as a success?  Do you have faith in a God that can turn any situation around for good?

In the book of Genesis, we find the story of a man named joseph.  Joseph was hated by his brothers, he was sold as a slave for money, his reputation was completely marred because of other peoples lies and he was thrown into prison for two years.  Yet, in Genesis 39:2 God calls him a success.  ”The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian”.  Don’t forget that Joseph had just been sold as a slave to this guy.  The part that I’m sure carried Joseph through it all was that “The LORD was with him”.

Even though your situation and circumstances might look like a failure in the eyes of the crowd,  keep the end in site.  Whatever you are facing or going through, know that the LORD is with you and He has won the victory.  He is your success!  Even when victory is hard to see, put your faith in Him!

Jesse Heikkila

Modern Day Director