SHIFTING THINGS AROUND CAN UNCOVER NEW THINGS

I recently moved to another state and my internet box was waiting outside my apartment upon arrival.  I tackled the setup the next day because I was not in the mood to do it right away. The next day, I was excited about reconnecting with the outside world and continuing my outreach. However, there was one problem: I couldn’t locate the indoor connection. I had in my mind what it looked like from previous experiences and it never occurred to me that there might be a new way in another state.  I delayed setting up the internet because I didn’t want to be bothered.  Then came day two, and I needed to be online and must figure it out. Hence, I began the arduous task of shifting some boxes around.  To my amazement, the boxes hid the points, and in no time; I had internet service. I lost two days because I was not willing to look intentionally earlier.

My mind went back to an experience I had in my Junior year in college. I was a business major and taking a class in entrepreneurship among my other classes. They invited a wealthy business leader in the community to give a lecture about how to become a successful entrepreneur. He said one secret to becoming successful in business is the willingness to uncover new territories. He closed his lecture with this question; are you willing to explore new territories? Many of us were very skeptical because, for some of us, it was just making the grade because we had no interest in business ownership. We reluctantly answered in the affirmative. He gave us a task which was to overturn our chairs. Everyone gasped with excitement when they found a brand new $10 bill taped underneath their seats. The class gave him a resounding applause not just for the money but for the invaluable, simple practical lesson he taught us that day.

How many times do we get stuck in a rut and choose to remain there because we are too lazy to move things around, or don’t want to make the effort? Has it ever occurred to you that you might find something of value or learn something new that might change your life? God wants us to live joyfully each day despite the challenges we might experience in our lives. When we apply a positive approach, it can help to find solutions or help us push through a very difficult situation.

As Christians, we often become stuck with rituals and routines. God wants us to grow in our walk with Him and He expects us to ask big. 1 Chronicle 4:9-10 introduces Jabez’s character as being honorable. However, his name meant sorrow because his mother had a difficult time with his birth. One would think that he would go about life feeling sorry for himself. Jabez knew the God of his fathers and that with Him there were no limits. Therefore, he boldly stated his petition to the God of Israel, our God: Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me and that thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him what he requested. God wants to grant our requests. Let us do our part by studying His word, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit. He is the same God. Let’s allow Him to surprise us by praying bold prayers today!