Momentum

I have mentioned several times that my arthritic knees make it difficult for me to overcome inertia and stand. Once I’m on my feet, I use two canes now instead of one. It gives me more stability and confidence than even a walker would do. Others see my struggle and their first instinct is to try to help me, bless their hearts, but once I start forward the only help I need is for them to open the door and get out of my way. My momentum carries me forward one step after another until I reach my destination.

I have done a fair amount of public speaking in my life and I can always tell if I’m getting through to my audience by their body language. When they are interested in what I’m saying, they will automatically lean forward to capture every word or thought. It isn’t something they consciously do. It is a reflex action that moves them closer to something of interest to them. When we read God’s word or pray, are we leaning forward to grasp all that God has to say to us? When He shows us the path He wants us to take, are we leaning forward and letting our momentum carry us one step after another until we reach our destination? When we stop leaning and moving forward, inertia sets in again and it may become even more difficult to regain our momentum.

In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who decided to store up his excess crops and lean back and take life easy, but his life was cut short and he never attained that goal. We may shake our heads at such a self-centered fool, but when God richly blesses us aren’t we Christians sometimes just as guilty, sitting back and expecting God to continue to pour out His blessings without us pressing forward in His service?

Let’s see what else God’s word tells us about moving forward with momentum. “The righteous keep moving forward and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9) “And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” (Hebrews 6:3) And my favorite: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” (Psalms 143:10)

In team sports, we often refer to momentum as the “Big Mo”. That is when a few members of the team come out of their slumps and begin to achieve success. Their momentum is contagious as other members of the team begin to gain confidence and lean forward toward success themselves. That momentum continues to build and can lift the entire team to its full potential. It is an intangible expectation that success is within reach. I hope that somehow watching me overcome my handicap and successfully get where I’m going will give others the momentum they need to overcome the obstacles in their lives. But, more importantly, I hope that as I lean forward toward God and His will in my life, others will feel the urge to lean forward and draw closer to Him as well.