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Half Way There
Jon BurgessThe outward action reveals the inward condition of the heart. Throughout 1 & 2 Kings we see the Kings described according to the spiritual state of their heart. Sadly, the leaders of God's people who were half-hearted far outweigh the kings who were whole-hearted in their pursuit of God's heart. That reality is seen here in King Jehoash's response to Elisha's prophetic act. It was God's heart to give a whole victory to a whole heart but they would only get half way there because the King was half-hearted in his response. Perhaps King Jehoash was overcome with grief that the prophet Elisha was dying? Maybe he was overwhelmed with the prospect of facing the Arameans alone? Whatever the case he wasn't paying attention when the prophet Elisha put his hand over the hand of the King signfying the prophetic act he was about to participate in. If I want a full victory I'd better be paying full attention with a whole heart at halftime!
July 1st is the half way point for 2017. This is that great opportunity to stop and have an honest conversation with my Creator- "How am I doing so far Lord?" This halftime conversation will determine, much like King Jehoash, whether I have full or partial victory this year. This isn't about the New Years Resolutions (that most likely didn't last past February). This is about a move from success to significance. If I don't take the halftime seriously my vision ends up half-baked and my obedience half-hearted and I'll only get half way there! As I slow down I ask myself the questions Bob Buford suggests in his book "Halftime": Am I listening for the still, small voice? Is my work still the center of my life and identity? Do I have an eternal perspective as a prism through which I view my life? What is my truest purpose? My life work? My destiny? What does it really mean to “have it all”?”
Asking these questions brings me back to the questions God was asking me as the sun rose on the first day of 2017:
* If you truly believed I was coming back soon how would that change the way you spent your time?
* What if you believed in your heart that every need you came across I had already made provision for? How would that change the way you pray?
* What would happen in this city if each one reached one for Me? If every person who knew Me told someone about Me how would that change this city?
* What would happen if your heart broke the way Mine does for every person in this city? It's time to start walking with eyes wide open.
These questions are my arrows and I'm hitting them hard against the ground. Forgive me Lord for allowing the pace of life to take my focus from that which matters most. I have these questions from New Years Day posted on my door, but I want them inscribed upon my heart. I'm half way there in this year and I want to go all the way with You. I hear Your heart in these questions and it challenges my heart to shake off its slumber and give it all I've got to reach as many as possible in this beautiful city You've called me to reach!
