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Start Now: Answering the Call of God:
Introduction:
In Luke 9:58-62, Jesus delivers a powerful message about the urgency of responding to His call. He emphasizes that those who are called to follow Him should not delay but instead take immediate action. This passage serves as a reminder for all believers to embrace their purpose and begin their journey of faith without hesitation. It teaches us the significance of obedience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment in fulfilling God’s calling in our lives.
Start Now: Embracing God’s Call:
Jesus’s statement, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head,” highlights the sacrificial nature of following Him. It signifies that discipleship requires relinquishing comfort and security, as Jesus Himself did. By reminding us of this, Jesus encourages us to embrace His call wholeheartedly, knowing that our true fulfillment lies in obedience to Him.
Responding without Delay:
When Jesus invites someone to follow Him, He expects an immediate response. Often, we may be tempted to postpone our obedience until we feel ready or more equipped for the task. However, Jesus calls us to step out in faith, even when we don’t have all the answers or feel inadequate. He wants us to trust in His guidance and provision, recognizing that He equips those He calls.
Learning on the Job:
One of the key lessons from Jesus’s message is that the best training comes from actively engaging in our purpose. Learning on the job allows us to gain practical experience and develop the necessary skills and character traits. God doesn’t always wait for us to become experts before using us; instead, He molds us through the process of obedience and service. As we step out in faith, we discover that He empowers us along the way.
Overcoming Negative Voices:
When responding to God’s call, we may encounter skepticism or discouragement from others. People may doubt our abilities or question our decision to pursue God’s purpose for our lives. However, it is crucial to remember that God’s call is not dependent on the opinions of others. He has chosen and equipped us for a specific task, and His affirmation and guidance are what matter most. We should not allow the negative voices to hinder our progress but trust in God’s unwavering support.
The Case Study of the Old and Young Prophet:
The story of the old and young prophet in 1 Kings 13 serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to God’s leading above all else. In this account, the young prophet receives a clear instruction from God but is later deceived by an older prophet who claims to have received a contrary message. Despite the older prophet’s authority and experience, it is the young prophet’s obedience to God’s original command that is crucial. This story emphasizes the need to stay faithful to God’s guidance and not be swayed by external influences, regardless of their credibility.
Jesus’s message in Luke 9:58-62 reminds us of the urgency and importance of responding to God’s call without delay. He encourages us to step out in faith, trusting in His provision and guidance. Learning on the job, overcoming negative voices, and remaining steadfast in God’s leading are all vital aspects of fulfilling our purpose. The cautionary tale of the old and young prophet further emphasizes the significance of obedience to God above the opinions and influence of others. As believers, let us start now and wholeheartedly pursue the call God has placed upon our lives, knowing that He will equip and enable us for the journey ahead.
Embracing Self-Motivation: The Power of Starting Now:
Motivation is often seen as an external force that drives us to take action. While external stimulation can be helpful, relying solely on it can be limiting. True success and fulfillment come from within, from a deep-rooted determination and commitment to our goals. In the pursuit of our dreams, there will be times when no one else believes in us, and doubts may creep in. However, it is during these challenging moments that we must find strength in our divine purpose and trust in the leading of a higher power. By embracing self-motivation and starting now, we can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable things. This article explores the importance of self-motivation and draws inspiration from biblical case studies of individuals who stepped out in faith.
The Power of Internal Drive:
While external motivation can provide temporary encouragement, it is our internal drive that sustains us in the long run. Waiting for external factors to align perfectly before taking action can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. Instead, we should cultivate a mindset that values self-motivation and resilience. Recognize that the journey may not always be easy, and doubts may arise, but trust in your own abilities and the guiding hand of the divine.
Elisha Following Elijah:
The story of Elisha, who followed Elijah, serves as a powerful example of unwavering commitment and self-motivation. In 1 Kings 19:19-21, Elisha receives a divine call to become Elijah’s successor. Despite the uncertainties and challenges that lay ahead, Elisha displays unwavering determination by sacrificing his former life and committing himself to the journey. His internal drive propelled him to embrace his divine purpose, ultimately leading to a powerful ministry.
Ruth Following Naomi:
Ruth’s decision to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, in the book of Ruth (Ruth 1:6-19), showcases the strength of self-motivation and loyalty. Despite the difficulties and uncertainties that awaited her, Ruth remained steadfast in her commitment to Naomi. Her internal drive, fueled by love and loyalty, empowered her to step into a new chapter of her life. Through her faithfulness, Ruth experienced restoration and became an integral part of God’s redemptive plan.
Peter After Jesus:
Luke 5:11 recounts the moment when Peter left everything to follow Jesus. Peter’s decision exemplifies the power of self-motivation and the transformative impact it can have on one’s life. Despite being an experienced fisherman, Peter recognized the profound calling upon Jesus’ life and chose to align himself with it. His internal drive to be part of something greater fueled his journey of discipleship and led him to become one of the central figures in the early Christian movement.
The Importance of Starting Now:
Procrastination is a common hindrance to progress and personal growth. Waiting for the perfect moment or for external circumstances to align may result in missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The key is to start now, regardless of the circumstances. There will always be reasons to delay, but by embracing self-motivation and taking the first step, we set ourselves on a path towards success and personal fulfillment.
Conclusion:
While external motivation can be helpful, true success and fulfillment stem from self-motivation and a deep-rooted commitment to our dreams and divine purpose. Drawing inspiration from biblical case studies like Elisha, Ruth, and Peter, we see the transformative power of internal drive and determination. By starting now, we embrace our own abilities, trust in the guidance of a higher power, and overcome obstacles on the path to achieving our goals. Let us cultivate self-motivation, discard procrastination, and embark on the journey towards our dreams with unwavering commitment.
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