How is your new year going?
Its only 30 days into the new year and the excitement is starting to wane. Things seem to be finding their way back to the familiar routine. Rather than settling, this is the time to shun distractions and do the work required to make the dream a reality. I’ve had to redirect my attention to the truly important activities and refocus more times than I would like to admit. The urgent tasks always threaten to deprive the important tasks of attention.
This is our year to dream bigger than ever before. The year to dream so big, it’s scary. Let’s make the vision crystal clear, and then take it to the next level by doing the hard work required.
“When your clarity meets your conviction and you apply action to the equation, your world will begin to transform before your eyes.” Lisa Nichols
This year, don’t go on the destiny journey alone, find like-minded people who will help move you farther in the direction of your dreams. Accountability in your relationship will break the cycle of lethargy and inspire action in the right direction.
It is not enough to try and then stand back with the words “what will be, will be”. Go after your dream with all you have.
There was a paralyzed man who needed healing. His friends heard about Jesus and how He healed all kinds of diseases. They decided to carry their friend to Jesus for healing. When they got there, there was a huge crowd and the house was full, there was no room left, not even outside the door. At this point, his friends could have justifiably left saying “we really tried, but we could not even get close to the door”. That explanation is legitimate and completely understandable. However, those four men refused to take the easy road. They removed the roof and lowered their paralytic friend in front of Jesus. This is a radical step laden with risks. What if they all fell through the roof in the process and got injured? What if they dropped the paralyzed man and made his situation worse? How would they fix the roof back? How many hours of labor will that require? Those bold men refused to be intimidated by the “what-ifs”, they focused on their purpose – getting their paralyzed friend to Jesus. The paralyzed man received his healing because he had friends who would not let themselves off the hook because of challenges.
Have you given up too soon?
The bible says that Jesus saw their faith. That makes me wonder – How did Jesus see their faith? Is faith visible? Jesus saw their faith through their actions and healed their paralyzed friend. Faith is indeed visible. If you truly believe what God has promised you, your commensurate action will be the proof.
Don’t let yourself off the hook when you encounter challenges – press in and remove the roof if necessary
In another situation, the Jews were being threatened. The King’s top officer, Haman, had planned to execute all the Jews. With the penalty of death looming, the Jews were frantic for help. One of the Jews, Mordecai, had raised his orphaned relative – Esther. She entered the beauty contest and won becoming the Queen. However, due to the controversial situation of the Jews, she and Mordecai kept her identity a secret. Now with the death penalty looming, Mordecai reached out to Esther for help. In deep agony, Esther confessed that she could do nothing because she has not had access to the King for 30 days and no one could approach the King except by invitation. The situation was dire but Esther was helpless. However, Mordecai did not let Esther off the hook. He challenged Esther to press through the challenges and find a way. Esther fasted and prayed for 3 days, approached the King uninvited and was able to reverse the death sentence on the Jews (Esther 4).
Just like Esther and the paralyzed man, you need to surround yourself with people who will not let you off the hook. This year, you need people who will hold you accountable to your dreams. You need friends that will push you to destiny. People who will not console you with words like “at least you tried”.
Go the extra mile this year. Be clear about what you want to accomplish and channel your resources to making it a reality.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” Psalm 37:23.
God will order your steps but you have to move.
Start taking steps in the direction of your dreams. Refuse to allow anything to stop you this year.
