Power of thought!

One of the greatest success stories in biblical history is found in Genesis 11, where people set out to build a tower reaching up to heaven. In Genesis 11:6, God Himself acknowledged, “Now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Their success was validated by the power of their imagination.

The power of thoughts plays a crucial role in the pursuit of success. Thoughts serve as a key to actualising dreams and aspirations. The Bible in Joshua 1:8 declares, “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth.” What comes out of a person’s mouth is merely an expression of their thoughts. Matthew 12:34 further confirms this by stating, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This underscores the vital role of thoughts in the school of success.

Proverbs 23:7 states, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” It is impossible to think one thing and become another. A person cannot entertain thoughts of failure and suddenly emerge successful, nor can they consistently think success and end up a failure. Thoughts either make or break an individual.  Whatever is too big for the imagination is too big for manifestation. Imagination sets the pace for one’s destination. Where an individual finds themselves tomorrow is a direct result of the thoughts they have today. Thoughts define placement and determine outcomes. Some may claim they have done everything necessary for success, yet their results do not reflect their efforts. Jeremiah 17:9-10 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways and the fruit of his doings.” Many frustrations in life can be traced back to battles waged within the mind.

Words are a reflection of the heart’s condition, and while one may not have access to another’s heart, their words will always reveal their thoughts. Even though not all thoughts are spoken aloud, what is expressed is often a glimpse into the thought process. Spending time with someone for a day can reveal whether they are headed for success or failure. Failure is not an option for those who refuse to think failure. If failure is absent in thought, it will be absent in speech. Many people pray fervently, yet fundamental issues remain unresolved in their minds. Regardless of prayer or fasting, Proverbs 23:7 stands firm: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” No amount of fasting can override divine principles. The scriptures cannot be broken.

Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.” Success extends beyond hard work, skill, strength, and determination. A crucial key in the school of success is maintaining thoughts that align with success. To succeed truly, one must think success. Working hard is insufficient; an attitude that guarantees success must accompany efforts. Thoughts of impossibility cannot be allowed to dominate the mind. If God can handle a situation, then it is also manageable because He dwells within His people. If God cannot fail, then those who trust Him cannot fail either.

David’s encounter with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-46 illustrates this truth: “You come to me with a sword and spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord God of Israel.” David lacked Goliath’s weapons but had the God whom Goliath did not possess, and that very day, God brought Goliath down. Thoughts of success are rooted in absolute dependence on God. Many talented individuals have become failures, and many strong people have collapsed under their weight. However, Romans 8:31 reminds believers, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” God is never responsible for human failure. The missing element is often a crucial realisation, and once discovered, it unlocks divine blessings.

Thoughts carry more weight than actions because they give meaning to them. Negative thoughts can neutralise the effects of diligent work. Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill.” This indicates that success is not determined solely by strength, skill, or intelligence. Thoughts rank higher than physical ability, expertise, or intelligence in the journey to success.

The only impossibility in life is when a person chooses to walk alone. When God is involved, every situation becomes possible. Every business, career, and opportunity is filled with potential when God is at the centre. Before actions can be evaluated, attitudes and thoughts must be examined. The right thoughts and attitudes add value to every endeavour. Without them, actions may be rendered ineffective. This truth should set a new pace in life.

When Jesus confronted the rich young ruler, He pointed out the one thing he lacked. Instead of embracing this revelation, the man walked away sorrowful. Many people dislike discovering what they lack because it forces them to face uncomfortable truths. A testimony was once shared about a man with a first-class degree in mathematics who experienced failure for seventeen years until he encountered Jesus. Ecclesiastes 9:11 affirms that skill alone does not guarantee success. Life demands more than strength, skill, and intelligence. The Bible, as the Creator’s manual, contains the principles that govern success.

Thoughts are either a stepping stone to greatness or a stumbling block to failure. By aligning thoughts with God’s word, success becomes inevitable. May the grace to guard your mind against thoughts that hinder progress be granted. The Bible is designed to purify thoughts and bring them into alignment with divine wisdom. Isaiah 55:8 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” The scriptures sanctify the mind and direct it toward God’s way of thinking. May your mind be renewed, thoughts transformed, and lives positioned for success in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kay Alli