We are creatures of habit. Most of us dislike change. In fact, we hate it. Even if our situation has grown uncomfortable, we tend to stay put. We rationalize, we make excuses, we distract ourselves. What’s tricky is that there can be good things happening where we are. But, could preserving good come at the expense of great?

It’s been said, if you put a frog in water and gradually heat it up, eventually he will get cooked. Whereas, if you throw a frog into boiling water he immediately jumps out. Like the frog, incrementalism can trap us. Preventing our lives from becoming great and fruitful. Though we like to think of ourselves as superior to a frog, our behavior proves we still follow Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion.

(Actually, I prefer to think of these sorts of laws as God’s law’s; he created everything after all. Newton just discovered it.)

Though God is unchanging he is all about growth for us.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
The Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

He pursues our growth relentlessly, wanting us to become like him, just as he created us to be in the beginning. He wants us to reach our full potential: To be great, to produce incredible fruit and to experience the fullness of going deep in relationship with him.

What would a good father do if he saw his son trapped, stuck on a trajectory that misses the mark?

Newton’s first law says it. Your direction cannot change without an “unbalanced force acting”. Unwilling to let us stay on a low trajectory forever, he knows he must intervene.

Ever play Foosball? There are times when the ball rolls to a place on the table where none of the players can reach it. The game stops unless someone gives the ball a little “nudge”. Similarly, there can come a time when we are on too low of a trajectory so God gives us a little nudge.

What’s this look like? Sometimes a health issue wakes us up to reprioritize our lives. Perhaps there is tension at work: A demotion, irritating boss, being overlooked or disrespected. Perhaps your excessive work is leading to pressures at home. These can be unpleasant times. Godly nudges come from a loving, eternal standpoint. They are good for us, though they can make us pretty unhappy when in the midst. Remember, we hate change.

Think of Joseph. Special treatment as a kid made him a bit cocky. His brothers came to hate “that dreamer” for it and threw him into a pit. Joseph’s life was pretty hard for a while, even spending time in prison. I wonder what thoughts were going though his mind during these hard times of change and reform. Imagine the dialog he had with God. I’m sure it was quite flowery for a while but he did not let go of him. His relationship with God deepened, resulting in a great transformation evidenced later when he realized it was all for good. Speaking to his brothers he said:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
Joseph in Genesis 50:20 (NLT)

God totally elevated Joseph’s trajectory. Painful? Yes. Transformational? Yes. Fruitful? “….so I could save the lives of many people.” Incredible!

Do you find yourself in the midst of a God directed nudge?

Don’t be surprised, expect it. God loves you and has great things in mind! Like joseph, he wants your life to be incredibly fruitful. Sure, it could be something he want’s you to endure, but perhaps he’s prompting you to trade good for great. Take time to stand back and consider your trajectory. Ask, “How well do my priorities align with God’s? Is there more God wants from me? Am I on the path of my Life Mission or am I drifting away from it? Will God say ‘Well done good and faithful servant?’” This is a good time to seek wise counsel to help you consider the possibilities.

The Mission Curve™ process leads you through your nudges and into the Adventure God Made You For. Let’s talk.

Go to www.bobblackcoaching.com to schedule a free consultation.