SHIFTING FROM SURVIVAL TO PURPOSE

Rebekah Clanton

Woodland Church

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

I. WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

(John 20:19, 20) “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you! After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”

A.  Fear Paralyses

B.  Focus brings Perspective

C.  Faith brings Purpose

(John 20:26-27) “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

II. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A. Avoid the Traps

1.  Expectations – from others and from yourself

2. Challenges – the urge to focus on the negative

3. Habits – embrace the change

4.  Interruptions (it takes 26 minutes to regain focus after an interruption)

B. Face the Challenge of Solitude

When Jesus chose Solitude:

1.  To prepare for a major task

(Luke 4:1-2, 14-15) “After Jesus was baptized He spent 40 days praying in the wilderness. After this He was tempted by Satan and then began His public ministry.”

2.  To recharge after hard work

(Mark 6:30-32) “Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to do ministry. When they returned He encouraged them to separate from the people who were following them to rest.”

3.  To work through grief

(Matthew 14:1-13) “After Jesus learned that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded, He went away by Himself. Yes, even the Son of God grieves.”

4. Before making an important decision

(Luke 6:12-13) “Early in His ministry Jesus spent the whole night alone in prayer. The next day He chose his 12 disciples.”

5. In a time of distress 

(Luke 22:39-44) “Hours before Jesus was arrested He went to the Mt. of Olives and went a short distance away from His disciples to pray. He was in great emotional agony knowing what he was about to face.”

6. To focus on prayer

(Luke 5:16) “Many times in Jesus’ ministry He spent time alone in prayer.”

“Without solitude, no serious work is possible.”  – Pablo Picasso

C. Be stewards

We are stewards of our time, money and talent

1. Money is the only stewardship with a percentage attached

• 10% to God plus gifts

2. Time reflects our motivation

• Motivation is intrinsic and extrinsic

• Intrinsic – the things that motivate us on the inside
  • Curiosity
  • Fulfillment
  • Desire

• Extrinsic – things that motivate us from the outside
  •  Money
  • Praise
  • Prestige

• Individuals who are motivated by the heart are 3 times more engaged than those who are extrinsically motivated

• Talents are multiplied when used

(Matthew 25:21) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

3. Be Empowered

(Matthew 28:19-20) “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

III.  WHAT IS IMPORTANT NOW?

A.  Focus:

1.  On God – the heart to heart

2.  On the Personal – hand to hand

3.  On People – eye to eye

B.  Move from Survival to Purpose

1. Enjoy the solitude with God.

2. Focus on the task at hand.

3. Identify the habits that keep you in survival mode.

4. Lead by example.

5. Understand what motivates you.

6. Take the next step toward purpose.