Musical mentor: A better way to define success as a singer

What does success really look like?
For some it’s how many zeros they see on their paycheck, for others it’s fame, position and notoriety.
We as a society tend to judge each other on these very things, but how does God view success? I would venture to say that His view is far removed from ours because He is always looking for those who are working at advancing His kingdom and not their own self-interests.
Does this mean He doesn’t want us to be successful in our earthly ventures? I don’t think so. In fact, His word says that He came that we might have and enjoy our lives, but His desire for us is NOT living a life full stressing, straining and striving to be bigger and better and full of self promotion.
I can honestly say that there was a time in my life when I was more concerned with “making it big” than I was with the true reason I decided to enter this ever-evolving world known as the Christian music industry.
I was constantly striving — trying to make things happen, trying to force doors open and basically moving God over into the passenger’s seat while I drove.
Like I actually thought I could do a better job at furthering this dream than He could!
This constant stress left me feeling depressed, empty and, yes, even angry. But who was I really angry with? Deep down I knew that living in a vicious cycle of giving it to God, getting impatient and taking back the reigns of control was really where my problem existed.
But knowing there is a problem and dealing with it are two very different things. This is where God’s amazing grace and mercy steps in.
Even though I failed over and over again (and still do), He was right there to pick me up, dust me off and put me back on His chosen path for me.
All He was waiting for was me — I had to make the choice once and for all to fully surrender all of my hopes and dreams and to trust His perfect plan.
That my friends is the biggest step towards true success that I have taken. My life may not turn out the way I thought. Maybe it will, but either way whatever path God has, I will follow and continue to sing His praises.
Are you willing to surrender your plan in exchange for His and experience true success?