Pivot Point

There is a “pivot point” at many places in our lives. I’m defining a pivot point as “something or someone that we are dependent upon for direction and sustainability”. I remember learning as a young boy the value of a “pivot point” in basketball, because you could change direction and “throw off” the defender.

As a Christ follower, I have several “pivot points” in my life when I’m clearly checking on my direction and changing it quickly if needed or if prompted by the Holy Spirit dwelling inside my heart.  Paul is giving Titus some final instructions in the last chapter of this small book and I saw a “pivot point” when he reminds Titus that we once did foolish things. Check this out….

⁴ But— (there’s a big pivot point -DH)

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, ⁵ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.⁷ Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

⁸ This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.(Titus 3:4-8 NLT)

I was reminded last evening at a dinner celebrating 10 years of Campus Outreach, a ministry to college students. We were asked about our college years and how that chapter in our lives affected our faith – good or bad. I was taken back to a seat in the gymnasium of what is now Johnson University at the Junior-Senior banquet and the passion play was being performed. I watched at the student depicted Jesus being crucified. I realized that evening, that He did that for me. I was broken and humbled to think that someone could love me like that. That was a “pivot point” for me. My faith became my own that evening. I wasn’t perfect after that by any means, but to think about that evening really moves my heart.

I have pivot points each day. This morning I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t rest well, so I was “justifying the adjustment of my morning routine”. I pushed through and started a bit late, but I decided to keep pressing on. The big game changer in every “pivot point” I face is, that I have help. I have the Presence of God in me to walk with me, to help me navigate the tough “pivot points” or to simply keep moving. His Spirit in me has changed how I view every “pivot point” (aka decision).  His Grace and Mercy was given to me and I didn’t deserve it and I couldn’t earn it. He just gave. It’s hard to wrap my head around that most days, but I’m simply going to trust Him with the details. I want my faith and trust in Him to keep growing through every “pivot point” I encounter.

Pressing On!

Dwayne