What if your path to success—even when the odds seem stacked against you—could be traced back to three simple, powerful truths?
That’s what happened to Kenneth Copeland. In 1967, as a young man beginning his ministry, he received three life-changing principles from Dr. Oral Roberts. Those three truths became the foundation for more than five decades of success in leadership, ministry and life.
His path to success wasn’t found in simple spiritual tips and a practical career path. These are time-tested strategies that can propel anyone in their career, regardless of any challenge. If you’ve ever felt resistance, doubt or uncertainty, these principles of faith can guide you toward your God-designed breakthrough.
Having a Successful Mindset for a Path to Success
We’ve all heard discouraging words while exploring our own career path, such as:
- “You can’t do that.”
- “That’s never been done.”
- “That’s not how we do it.”
Those statements create limiting beliefs that kill visions and steal dreams, pushing people off the path to success. But the truth is, success often requires going upstream and thinking differently, believing boldly, and breaking free from old patterns.
Even Jesus illustrated this when He said that new wine requires new wineskins (Mark 2:22). A different outcome requires a different mindset and actions.
That’s the wisdom Dr. Oral Roberts imparted to Kenneth Copeland when he said:
“People will always tell you, ‘You can’t do it!’ But if you will do these three things, you will always be a success.”
These three steps have produced over 55 years of supernatural results, and they can transform your career path as well.
Step 1: Success Starts With Knowing God’s Will
Abraham, against all natural odds, became the father of many nations because he believed what God said. He stayed focused on God’s promise even when there was no visible reason to hope (Romans 4:18–21). Abraham’s success began when he aligned his faith with God’s will.
As Dr. Oral Roberts imparted to Kenneth Copeland, who has been teaching for more than 50 years, “Faith begins where the will of God is known.”
If you’re seeking clarity for your career path, or in any area of life where you’re praying for a path to success, that’s your cue to press in. Spend time in the Word. Ask God for direction. Expect answers.
Pray these scriptures for clarity:
- “If you do not have wisdom, ask God” (James 1:5, NLV).
- “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is” (Romans 12:2, NIV).
- “Christ Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30, NIV).
When you know God’s will, you aren’t guessing anymore. Praying God’s Word helps you become focused, grounded and ready to move forward with purpose.
That is the first and most essential step on the path to success.
Step 2: Don’t Let People Talk You Out of Your Success
Once God reveals His will, you must protect it.
Peter heard directly from God when he declared Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:17). But moments later, he reverted to human reasoning and tried to talk Jesus out of His mission (verse 23).
The lesson is clear: Don’t allow human opinion to override divine direction.
Dr. Oral Roberts warned Kenneth Copeland, “Once you hear from God, don’t go asking people what they think.”
People may mean well, but they can talk you out of the very assignment God gave you. Success is fragile in its early stages. Outside voices can derail your momentum along your career path, where success whispers in its early stages, and opinions often shout.
Guard your heart. Guard your calling. Surround yourself with faith, not fear.
As Proverbs 4:23 says: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Step 3: Real Success Requires Relentless Commitment
When God told Kenneth Copeland, “I’m ready for you now,” he obeyed. On his first day of ministry, he sat with his Bible—not a crowd, not a platform—just obedience.
Before launching out, he and Gloria made three lifelong commitments:
- They would never ask for a place to preach
- They would never preach for financial reasons
- They would get the job done at all costs.
That last commitment is where many people lose the battle. As Kenneth and Gloria would learn, success requires perseverance.
Dr. Roberts taught that prayer is the backbone of success. That’s why the first employee the Copelands hired wasn’t an assistant, but an intercessor.
Every successful endeavor begins spiritually before it manifests naturally.
At ORU, the Prayer Tower became the heart of the campus. At KCM, the prayer chapel was placed at the center of the ministry, because real success grows from relentless, Spirit-led commitment.
This isn’t striving. It’s faithfulness. It’s refusing to quit when the path gets steep.
Success Is Waiting for You
If you want to walk the true path to success—in life, leadership or in your career—these three principles are your roadmap:
- Find out God’s will.
- Refuse to be swayed by others.
- Commit to finish—no matter the cost.
These truths propelled Kenneth Copeland into a lifetime of supernatural success, and they are just as powerful today for anyone who applies them.
Success isn’t for a chosen few. It’s for the committed. It’s for the obedient. It’s for those who refuse to give up. Start now and step boldly into the success God has prepared for you.
© 1997 – 2026 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc., DBA Kenneth Copeland Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
