In fact, what we discover is that success in ministry is defined in scripture not in terms of the destination, but in terms of the nature of the road and the character of the one who travels that road. We don't have to accept as valid the definitions of success suggested to us by the world of commerce or politics or some other social institution. When we look to the scriptures, it is clear that our calling as ministers of Christ is not a calling to arrive at a particular destination in accordance with a particular timetable. Rather our calling is to travel the road set before us, and to do it with absolute loyalty to the Christ who has redeemed us, with dedication to the work which that loyalty entails, and with a commitment to a faithful proclamation of the whole gospel to the whole world. Success in ministry is not arriving at the end of the road, it is traveling on the road.
Success is found in the journey.
May God grant us the grace to be worthy travelers.