I have been watching the Olympics! I know, imagine that…it seems like it is on almost every station on television. I must admit, I am surprised by some of the sports that are in the Olympics vs. some of the sports that are not in the Olympics. I mean, how in the world is Trampoline considered to be a sport that the world should have athletes competing in and not softball or baseball? I don’t get it!
What has been impressive to me is the dedication of these Olympic athletes. I was particularly struck by the story of Sarah Robles, USA powerlifter. She is dedicated to her sport! In fact, part of her story is that her and her mother lived in their vehicle because they didn’t have money to pay for a hotel much less a home. She works out two sessions per day with a private coach and was paid a stipend of $400/month from the US Olympic Committee. She was definitely banking large sums of money…just kidding. She left her home, moved to the training facility and began to work toward her dream of competing in the Olympics and representing the USA. The interesting thing about her story is that she had never really done any powerlifting. She was involved in track & field with the throwing events. Her coach wanted her to do some lifting so she could throw further. That is when her life CHANGED…
Even though people face change all the time, usually it is a scary proposition at best. Change is uncomfortable. Change is often times painful. Change is consistent! Whether or not we like to admit it, we are all faced with it. I personally was confronted with change back in 2009. I had to change my lifestyle. Weighing in at 420 pounds and not being able to participate in the life of my kids jolted me into a reality that I had to make a change. I had to choose, life or death. I chose life!
I believe that there are things and times in our lives when God places seasons of change in our lives. Our job is to figure them out and respond to His timing. I want to share with you 3 Keys of Personal Change.
1. The Excitement Key – Where and in what areas of your life are you excited? Ask yourself the question, “What would I do if I knew I could not fail?” Pursue that change! Why wait on life to pass you by and miss out on the things that you are most passionate about? God has placed in you different gifts, talents and abilities to do those extraordinary things He wants you to do. Will you succeed or will you succumb?
2. The Conviction Key – What are the things that guide your decisions? What filters the way you live your life? Personal conviction can be one of the most beneficial driving forces in a person’s life.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.(Hebrews 11:1 NRSV)
Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief. Conviction is really much more than that. Your convictions include your values, commitments and motivations.
I like the definition of conviction I once heard from the great Bible teacher Howard Hendricks: “A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!”
Our convictions determine our conduct. They motivate us to take a stand and to act according to our values.
3. The Determination Key – John Mason wrote in his book, An Enemy Called Average, that “Faith that moves mountains always carries a pick.” That statement sums up the process of determination that change brings to our lives. I was watching ESPN and watched the story of a young lady named Bree McMahon. I have to admit, it is a very moving story. I highly recommend you watching this story…it will inspire you to become more determined in your pursuit of the change that God has placed in your life. You can see the story called the Comeback here.
I leave you with 3 questions today regarding change…
1. Where are you excited?
2. Where are you convicted?
3. Where are you determined?
When you find those answers, it is time to take up your pick and begin to move mountains.
oneguyseyes 