“The prayers are working.  A Momentum has begun!”

When I read this Tweet by my friend and ministry partner Susan from Hawaii. . .it ignited my spirit.

The word “Momentum” energized my faith and stirred an inner Holy Spirit desire for me to write about the subject.

Momentum is best defined as:

“The amount of force a moving body has because of its weight and the speed at which it is moving.”

Momentum works the same whether you’re a short person or a hefty one.

If you take a big rock. . .it will not travel very fast. . .until you give it a push on a downhill sloop. . .then watch out.

Momentum is a moving force that overcomes resistance.

David ran to meet Goliath. . .1 Samuel 17:48-49 in the Message Bible says

“That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.”

Here are seven keys to momentum.

1.         Stop seeing yourself the way others see you.

When we’re confident of who we are in Christ. . .when we exercise our faith. . .when we know our cause is just and our calling right. . .then we should never be moved by what others. . .including friends and family members may say.

1 Samuel 17:28 in the New Living Translation says:

“But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”

David’s brother. . .questioned his judgment. . .demeaned his work. . .judged his motives. . .without ever giving him an opportunity to respond.

You may have family or friends who view you and/or your goals the same way. . .but follow the wisdom of David as a young man.

1 Samuel 17:29-30 says:

“And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.”

David didn’t defend himself. . .he merely asked if this wasn’t a cause his brother believed in. . .and without waiting for an answer. . .he turned and started talking with someone else.

To gain momentum in our lives. . .we need a confidence in who we are in Christ. . .then a focused view of our future.

And the last thing we need. . .is the jealous or biased opinion of someone whose perspective limits their own reality and possibilities for the future.

2.         Despise not small beginnings

1 Samuel 17:40 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd’s [lunch] bag [a whole kid’s skin slung from his shoulder], in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near the Philistine.

Have you ever thought about what the Israelites and the Philistines were thinking when David reached down and picked up the five stones.

The Israelites were probably saying. . “stones, really. . .that kid is going to fight the giant with rocks. . .we’re in big trouble. . .we’re probably all going to die here today.”

The Philistines were probably snickering, laughing and anticipating a great victory.

But what seemed small and insignificant to most everybody else became a destiny changer in the hands of David.

The first job you ever had was just that … the first one.  It didn’t mean that your future success was stuck … right there.

Walt Disney was fired from his first job for not being creative enough.

J.K. Rowling was fired from a secretarial job because she spent too much time daydreaming about a boy. . .named Harry Potter.

A Baltimore television producer told Oprah Winfrey she was “unfit for the evening news.”

Ever heard of Handy Dan? It's the home-improvement chain that fired Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank which gave them the motivation to start Home Depot.

The list could go on. . .never let anyone demean your ideas or minimize your potential for success.

Zechariah 4:10 says:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. . .”

It’s not where you start in life. . .it’s where you end up.

Our momentum once started will become an irresistible force regardless of how we began or where we are in life.

3.         Make the most of where you’re at and what you’re doing at the moment.

When the Prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king of Israel. . . David was not even thought of. . .He was left out in the wilderness with the sheep.

1 Samuel 16:11 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Then [he] said to Jesse, Are all your sons here? [Jesse] said, There is yet the youngest; he is tending the sheep. Samuel said to Jesse, Send for him; for we will not sit down to eat until he is here.”

Some people would feel left out. . .if not, offended because they weren’t invited to meet the prophet.

But David made the most of where he was called to be . . . which gave him a confidence when opportunity arose before him.

1 Samuel 17:34-36 says:

“And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:  “And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

If God has given you a big vision but you don’t yet see the manifestation. . .be diligent  where you are. . .create a momentum for your future by your faithfulness today.

Ask yourself. . .what can I do at this very moment to improve where I’m at.

Is there a self-study course you can take that will improve your performance on your job or that will contribute to your greater success in life?

Is there someone who’s at or been where you want to go in life. . .who can serve as a mentor to you?

Are there habits that you need to cultivate or change which will increase your value in life and the marketplace?

Not sure. . .ask God. . .He’s happy to reveal the things you need to do. . .and when you need to do them.

Psalm 32:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”  

There is one quote I feel led to share with you at this point.  Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computers, said:

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

You don’t need to be like anyone else. . .you’re an original. . .just be and do what God created you to be and do.

4.         Ignore the criticisms of others when your cause is just and your direction clear.

Not only did David have to endure the ridicule and verbal abuse of his older brother, Eliab. . .which we discussed earlier. . .but he had to deal with the doubt of King Saul.

1 Samuel 17:33 says:

“And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”

If we allow the enemy or anyone else to make us question our age whether young or old. . .our education. . .our experience or the lack thereof. . .we will lose momentum.

Never allow anyone other than the Word of God to determine your worth, value or potential.

Sometimes the most painful examination you’ll ever receive is that from yourself, a close friend or mentor.

If you’re employed. . .ask yourself these questions and yes, answer them honestly.

“If I were the boss. . .would I hire me?”

“If I were the boss. . .would I promote me. . .based on my job performance and attitude?”

“If I were the boss. . .would I give me a raise?”

Now more importantly, ask your Big Boss. . .whether or not He would hire, promote or give you a raise.

Colossians 3:23 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

Sadly, the reason a large number of believers are not promoted or achieve their dreams is simply because they’re not faithful where they are at the moment.

Never let a grumpy boss, a sarcastic supervisor, a lack of pay or recognition keep you from doing the best job you can wherever you’re assigned at the moment.

It’s important. . .imperative. . .essential. . .absolutely necessary. . .that we give our best efforts where we are. . .regardless of what others say or do.

We can’t control what other people say or do. . .but we definitely can control how we act and react to what they do.

5.         Become goal. . .reward motivated.

1 Samuel 17:24-26 says:

“And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.”

It’s important to notice this verse says that “all the men of Israel” including David ran from Goliath and were afraid.

But in reading 1 Samuel 17:25 we see where things changed for David and he became goal. . .reward motivated.

“And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

After running away from him. . .some of the men of Israel starting talking about the reward being offered for killing Goliath.

But then something happened to change David’s mind about the challenge. . .he had a defining moment based on new information and motivation.

1 Samuel 17:25 says:

“And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.”

David discovered that the person who killed Goliath would be given three things:

First, the warrior who defeats Goliath will receive “great riches.”  God has a benefit delivery system designed for every person who ever drew a breath on planet earth.  He desires for you to be rich that’s why He gave you the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Make no mistake, your enemy wants you broke, busted and disgusted.

Once you realize who’s fighting against you. . .and the weapons available to you. . .you can begin your active pursuit of the prosperity God has for you.  And that would give Him more pleasure than you realizing and manifesting what He intended for you to have (Psalm 35:27).

Second, the warrior now victorious and wealthy will receive the hand of the King’s beautiful daughter in marriage.

When you marry into the King’s famly. . .you’re immediately given a favored place in the court. . .and opportunities for wealth and success beyond your previous experience or expectation.

Third, the victorious warrior will also have all their bills paid in full.

The enemy wants to keep you up to your eyeballs in debt. . .strung out by payments and with little, if any, hope of ever becoming debt free.

The enemy wants you to believe that where you are in life right now. . .is where you’re going to stay.  That’s simply not true.

Upon learning of the reward. . .David made a profound statement in 1 Samuel 17:26 when he said:

“. . .who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

David, finally received the right motivation. . .what is your motivation?

Have you identified the motivation or reward. . .you need to create your momentum for success?

6.         Recognize who will fight your battles

1 Samuel 17:44 says:

“And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.”

The enemy. . . like a roaring lion will seek to break your momentum by whatever methods he can. . .including fear of failure. . .and of the unknown.

Let’s look at four key verses of the forty-four verses found in the King James Bible which instruct us to “be not afraid.”

“. . . be not afraid of him. . .”  2 Kings 1:15

“. . . be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee. . .” Deuteronomy 20:1

“. . . Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.”  2 Chronicles 20:15

“. . . Be not afraid, only believe.”  Mark 5:36

These four verses tell us to not be afraid of “him” or “them” but to “only believe.”

With God on our side. . .we have no reason to be afraid.

Psalm 118:6 the Message Bible says:

“God's now at my side and I'm not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?”       

While the situations and problems we face on a daily basis may not be life and death they are most often. . .the choice between success or failure. . .mediocrity or excellence. . .malaise or momentum.

The momentum difference begins with the words of our mouth.

1 Samuel 17:45 says:

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”

When you refuse to allow fear to break your momentum. . .when you know who you are in Him. . .then you will have a boldness in speaking to the giants in your life.

1 Samuel 17:46 says:

“This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”

Who gave David the victory?  “The Lord will deliver thee into mine hand.”

In reading 1 Samuel 17:47 we clearly see David knew where his victory was coming from.

“And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.”

David ran to his giant with his mouth open. . .with a spiritual momentum that was unstoppable. . .as Goliath fatally discovered.

Your momentum can’t be stopped unless you allow it to happen.

When we do our part. . .God will do His part.

Zechariah 4:6 says:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Every believer who uses principles based on the Word. . .will be energized, enlightened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Can’t think of a better way to create momentum for good than by obeying the voice of the spirit?

7.         Create a momentum for victory

1 Samuel 17:48-49 in the Amplified Bible says:

“When the Philistine came forward to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.  David put his hand into his bag and took out a stone and slung it, and it struck the Philistine, sinking into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.”

When the enemy shows up. . .to break your momentum. . .and kill your dreams. . .you must be ready.

The scripture says “David ran quickly toward the battle line.”

When you’re facing a hard decision or a difficult problem to solve. . .don’t be overly pensive  or hesitant.

Aggressively pursue your dream. . .don’t allow anyone to slow your momentum or create fear of failure.

Don’t delay what needs to be done. . .do it now.

The scripture also says that David reaches into his bag to grab the stones. . .he was prepared.

Preparation creates confidence which produces momentum.

David was confident in His God. . .and in the power of His might.

On an aside. . .this is where rock and roll began.  David took a rock and rolled the giant.

I know you just moaned. . .but you will no doubt share that with someone else soon.

There is one other sure fire way to create momentum as a born-again Child of God.

Revelation 2:11 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb [being born again] , and by the word of their testimony [the words that come out of our mouths]; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

You can prevent the enemy from blocking or slowing your momentum by the blood of Jesus and through the words of your testimony.

As your journey to the debt free lifestyle and the good life picks up momentum. . .praise God every step of the way for the mighty things He has allowed and empowered you to achieve.

The decision to create a momentum in your life is yours. . .it will be created and as effective as you decide for it to be.

Here are seven things to keep the momentum going in your life.

1.         Purpose in your heart that nothing will keep you from achieving your goals.

2.         Read the Bible every morning

3.         Spend time in prayer first thing each morning

4.         Operate on a daily timeline with goals

5.         Create a confession about the momentum you desire in your life.

6.         Every day for at least one hour listen to a CD or read a book that motivates you

7.         Listen to Rich Thoughts for Breakfast every day

One more thing. . .I saw a quote by Abraham Lincoln as I was preparing this teaching and felt led to include it. . .even though it might be a bit off the point.

Abraham Lincoln said:

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

The effectiveness of your momentum will be determined by you. . .no one else.

 

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