I remember working with a grassroots environmental justice organization in my early twenties to organize a national environmental health summit. I interacted with tribal governments and seasoned, national and international leaders in the EJ movement. The summit was successful. We were instrumental in laying the foundation for guidance on how the government engages with economically disadvantaged populations, people of color, and disenfranchised communities on matters of environmental health.
Fast forward a decade later- I remember failing BIG TIME in a local organization serving a much smaller population. What made the difference? One would think we get better with time- right? Not necessarily. Age and experience is only an advantage if we gain WISDOM along the way. We must be knowledgeable and technically proficient. However, knowing is not enough. We must know how to apply knowledge. We must know how to skillfully navigate through life knowing what to say, when, to whom, and how. We must know what to do, when and how. This is called WISDOM. WISDOM doesn't come with years. WISDOM comes from God. WISDOM begins with a reverential fear of God. WISDOM is the principal thing required for success. Therefore, passionately pursue God for WISDOM.
Being at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, doing the right thing, with the right attitude is critical to success. Ask to be properly positioned in your spiritual Goshen. Even Jesus Christ of Nazareth didn't perform as many miracles in certain places because of the naysayers and haters. I don't care how gifted and talented you are, if you are not at the right place with the right people as ordained by God you will be stifled. Being properly positioned allows you to soar. You will be blessed in your spiritual Goshen even when all hell is breaking out around you. You will only see the reward of the wicked but no death, disease, destruction, calamity, chaos, or confusion will come near you.
Humility is critical to success. In my early twenties, I was enamored with the leaders who had been on the front lines of the EJ movement. I respected them. I was humbled by them. I wanted to glean knowledge from them about community activism and organizing. I was never presumptuous and took nothing for granted. I was a sponge soaking up everything. I was teachable. A decade later I focused on the character flaws of leadership instead of focusing on the competencies they'd mastered which had facilitated their success.
David knew that Saul was a flawed leader but David humbled himself and still respected Saul in his role as king. Because I focused on the flaws of the leaders I was not open to receive that which they could impart into me to facilitate my professional growth and development. I wasn't open. I was rigid, prideful, and inflexible. Pride comes before destruction. Pray. Ask God for a meek and humble spirit and the ability to see every experience as a teachable moment. God exhalts the humble.
And then there is the anointing! Anointing is the divine enablement from God to use the gifts and talents He has given you in a manner which brings glory to Him. Olive oil is often used during anointing services. Olive oil is produced by pressing olives. You are gifted and talented. You will bear much fruit. You will be pruned so that you bear even more fruit AND you will be pressed! This is what releases the anointing. Remember you will go through the waters and not be swept away or overtaken. You will go through the fire and not be burned. You will come out as pure gold. You are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Somebody ought to stop and shout right there!!! Remember it is the pressing baby which releases the anointing.
I am often approached by men and women of God who "see" in the spirit realm and they comment on God's anointing upon my life. Because they are men and women of God they understand what this means. They understand how this was released. Others around smile and nod in a very religious manner. But true men and women of God and those with understanding of things of the Spirit "know" about the sleepless nights, soggy pillows drenched with tears, wayward child, delayed promise, rejection, loss, seasons of prolonged fasts and mourning, thorn in the flesh, and well just the PRESSing. But still I rise!! Hallelujah!! So press on toward the mark even during the pressing and trying times. Don't grow weary in your well-doing. Surround yourself with coaches and cheerleaders. Iron sharpens iron. Pray for divine connections and perseverance to press on my beloved.
These are SOME of the keys to success! A large door has been set before you AND there are many adversaries present. But if you use these keys to success- wisdom, positioning, humility, and the anointing you will overcome, enter through the door of success and be promoted in this season.
Shalom!
Dr. Lyn
