FINAL CALL: Hop On The Train to Success

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The Bible says that the devil wants to steal, kill and destroy your true purpose and detour you with doubt and fear. He’d have you think that you’re too old to pursue a degree or that the train to success has left you at the station. But, as believers, we're hip to satan's nasty tricks and we know that our God is one of second chances and truth is, the train never left. In fact, there’s a seat in the front row reserved just for you.

So, how do you get on the train?

In an email to subscribers, Bishop T. D. Jakes answers that question with sound advice:

"What's preventing your dreams from coming true? Every person has a vision; if you're alive today there's a dream living in you—a dream for your family, your career, your financial empowerment or education.

I pray over letters and emails daily from people who are dealing with disappointment, and I've had my own struggles and setbacks . . . let me encourage you.

When I first started the ministry in West Virginia, Serita and I struggled financially. I remember how discouraging it was when the electricity at our home was turned off. We had to choose between food for our babies and lights. God carried us through those financial and emotional storms. He continues to provide for our every need, especially now that our ministry has a global impact.

If you believe that you'll never have the resources to act on your vision, then you never will. In Ephesians 3:20, the Apostle Paul explains how important it is for us to expect great things from God: 'Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us . . .' (NASB).

Ignore the doubt and criticism you've heard and imagine walking across the stage to receive your college degree before you even sit in the first class. Despite the political and economic rumblings around you, imagine the sign above the office door of your business while you're drawing up your business plan. A dream born of God has a guarantee on it because the Bible assures us the Lord to finishes what He begins."

Pack Wisely
Firstly, while there’s nothing wrong with taking bags on this journey, the heavy, unnecessary baggage must stay behind or you’ll never leave the boarding ramp. You see, while you waited for your train to pull up, you packed some bad habits, such as regret, lack of faith, thinking less of yourself and other useless stuff that'll get you left behind. But, good thing you learned some good habits, like praising while you wait on the Lord, consistency, learning from your bad decisions and knowing that everything that happened in your life was planned by God.

What's Your Strategy?
Secondly, we must get your physical on par with your spiritual, meaning you must write a 6- and 12-month plan. As Allison Bates describes on DustinBates.org, everything in life needs a strategy. A Plan. What will take you from having your foot in the door to your entire body. You must ask yourself: What do you need to be enrolled within a year? Do you need to save money? Apply for scholarships, grants or loans? Do you need to Google a list of colleges you want to apply to? Whatever it is, it’s time to do it NOW!

No more procrastination!
No more excuses!—These traits belong to the old you and we don’t hang with him/her anymore.

Seeing Is Believing

Thirdly, constantly talk to God about your academic and career goals. Like Bishop Jakes said, begin fantasizing about walking across the graduation stage and the smile you’ll have on your face. Remember, as the mind thinketh so he/she is. I see you as a graduate. Do you see yourself as a graduate, because seeing is believing and it's the first step toward living an abundant life.

What necessary and unnecessary baggage are you toting? What does you final destination look like?