Capture the Win.
This morning during my personal study time, I read a familiar passage in Paul's second letter to his spiritual son, Timothy. He writes:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God." (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Do you know your finish line?? Can anyone know? How was Paul so sure?
I've always lived by the thought, "begin with the end in mind" -- I apply this to many areas of my life (from sermon prep, to ministry focus, to financial planning, to exercise objectives, etc).
My personal process is fairly routine: I wholeheartedly seek God without trying to lead Him to my wants or goals; and I simply listen. I, then, grab my journal and write, scribble or draw what I see God doing and ultimately what outcome He desires. I capture the WIN. From this epic finish, I work backwards to see it accomplished. And, I bathe it all in lots of LOVE!
A year ago, when God led us to Abundant Church in Alton, Illinois — I wasn’t sure about a lot of things: being a lead pastor, finding a home, how my boys would adjust to new high school, developing a staff, assisting a campus, casting new vision, reaching new families… plus, different weather, new friends, unique community, LIFE… but, what I did know was GOD sent us. Jesus was leading us — and He designed us for this moment — THERE WAS WORK TO DO!
So, through fasting, praying, listening and serving; I saw the WIN! Since then, I have prayed, worked and loved crazy-hard to make it happen! There have been many changes in life, church, culture and the world throughout this journey, so far… I’m confident I made mistakes or fell short at times. But, I have fought for my joy, stayed in my lane, remained faithful and kept pursuing the WIN. I have attempted to live a LOVE that’s real and contagious. Wow, and we’ve seen some epic wins and I believe God’s BEST is on the horizon!
As I look ahead, I know that finishing is not retirement, it's not arriving at a certain age, it's not even dying... In the above passage, the Apostle Paul is still very much alive when he writes "I have finished" -- and, we KNOW, Paul was not a quitter...
So, my only thought is: the Holy Spirit must have said, "DONE."
This is how it happened for me, as well (although I’m no Apostle Paul), in my previous place of serving... While working through my ministry assignments and striving to improve the very teams I oversaw, I found myself - personally - on the outside looking in. This reality surprised me at first but quickly became clear: in order for bigger WINS for the team, I needed to be willing to step away and make room for it. He whispered, DONE. And, in doing this, God lifted my eyes to see the beginnings of new opportunities and adventures on the other-side of trust and obedience. This was how he opened the door and my heart for Abundant!
I’m ALL IN for this new chapter and adventure in my life! I will press in and work hard to see the goals, God put in my heart, become reality for this church, community, region and beyond! I’m a Kingdom kid and I’m all about the hustle! So, I’m pushing until He says “done!” And, I’m praying that the next level of leaders is already sensing & preparing to do FAR MORE than me and my generation have done so far!
Too many people finish before the END. Too many never see a vision of their calling or potential. Don't let your life be defined by apathy, fear, failure, frustration or regret. Get UP and get after your destiny today! Find your joy & strength in Jesus and STAY AFTER IT!
If you have a pulse, You have a purpose!
Get alone with God -- empty your mind of any personal agenda -- and ask Him who He created you to BE and what He has planned for you now and next. Listen, journal, agree and then get after it! CAPTURE THE WIN!
So, here's a few questions for you to think/pray about and, then, answer:
Do you know your assignment(s)?
Are you working towards eternity every day?
With the thought "begin with the end in mind," what are some goals that you're "pressing towards" to accomplish?
Leave your comments below and Share this post with others -- let's build some accountability together.
