The key: Change when it's not a crisis...
1 Kings 19 invites us to change while life still feels “fine.” This message challenges us to take an honest look at our current momentum, count the cost of following God’s call, and embrace both drastic decisions and steady faithfulness. As we look five years ahead, we’re invited to generate holy urgency now—trusting that God can do exceedingly more as we step forward in obedience.
Reflection Questions
- If nothing changed in my life, where would my current habits and decisions lead me five years from now—and do I like that destination?
- What drastic action might God be inviting me to take now, even though I’m not in a crisis?
- Where do I need to practice steady, faithful obedience so that God can build momentum over time?
We’re in the second part of our series entitled "The Future You." We're looking keenly ahead at five years from now and asking ourselves: who will you be if you continue on your current path? More importantly, who do you want to be? These questions help us evaluate our momentum and decide if we like the direction we're headed. Now is the time to jump off the train if we're not satisfied with our destination.
A Different Kind of Resolution
This isn't your typical New Year's resolution—not something that can be accomplished in just twelve months. Instead, I'm talking about change in the absence of crisis. Our guide today is a story from the Old Testament, about a man named Elisha, whom God called through the prophet Elijah.
Drastic Action: Lighting the Fire for Change
Change requires drastic action, something Elisha demonstrated vividly. Elijah came to inform Elisha that he was to be God’s next prophet. Astonishingly, Elisha left behind an immense inheritance to follow him, signifying a powerful decision to embrace a new life. This kind of drastic action is essential to ignite the change we want to see.
Why is drastic action necessary? It's the spark needed to get the fire going. Change is hard due to inertia—everything, including us, wants to keep doing what it’s already doing. But drastic steps, like fasting or distancing yourself from harmful relationships, tell the universe and yourself that you mean business.
Steady Progression: Keep Pouring Water
Once the spark is ignited, what follows is a steady progression—a lesson taught through Elisha’s 18 years of service to Elijah. During this time, Elisha's role was as simple as pouring water on Elijah’s hands—years of behind-the-scenes work that laid the foundation for his future.
No great thing happens overnight. Real change comes through consistency. It’s about making the right choices, day in and day out. Remember, we're after sustainable transformation, not a quick fix.
Momentum: Becoming Unstoppable
Ultimately, when drastic action is followed by steady progression, we build momentum, where the compounding effect of our efforts starts to pay off. This is when change becomes not only sustainable but unstoppable.
Consider an orange and a toilet paper roll: if we take drastic action to remove the pedestal, the orange falls straight down, driven by gravity—that's momentum. It illustrates the power that can be unleashed when the right things are in place.
Conclusion: The Power of Change in Jesus' Name
Let us pray that we have the strength and courage to embrace and act on these messages, not just today but in the weeks to come. With God, all things are possible. We can become the people He has called us to be. Amen.