Do It Again
Sacrifice and Surrender
These three words encapsulate a powerful message about persistence, resilience, and the strength of faith. Life often presents us with challenges, obstacles, and moments where we’ve put in effort, faced setbacks, yet are encouraged to persevere. In these moments, the notion of “doing it again” becomes a guiding principle for achieving success. Consider the story of inventors, scientists, and visionaries who faced repeated failures before achieving their breakthroughs. Thomas Edison, when asked about his numerous unsuccessful attempts to create the light bulb, famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His determination to ‘do it again’ eventually led to success. In our lives, too, we encounter situations that demand persistence. Whether it’s in relationships, careers, personal goals, or faith journeys, setbacks are part of the process. But it’s in the decision to ‘do it again,’ to get up and keep going, where the potential for success lies. This phrase also carries profound spiritual significance. It reflects the nature of faith—a belief in something not yet seen. In the Bible, there are instances where individuals had to trust and ‘do it again’ in their faith walk. From Abraham’s obedience to God’s call to Noah’s building of the ark, these figures demonstrated an unwavering commitment to act on their faith, even when circumstances seemed dire. The power of “do it again” lies not only in repetition but in the belief that persistence breeds success. It’s about embracing the process, learning from failures, and staying committed to our goals and beliefs, despite adversity. However, ‘doing it again’ doesn’t mean mindless repetition. It involves learning from past experiences, adjusting our approach, seeking guidance, and being open to new strategies. Moreover, the ‘do it again’ mentality fosters resilience. It strengthens our character, nurtures patience, and instills the courage needed to overcome obstacles. It teaches us not to be discouraged by setbacks but to use them as stepping stones toward progress. As we navigate our lives, let us embrace the essence of ‘do it again.’ Let’s commit to pursuing our dreams, nurturing our relationships, and deepening our faith, knowing that our persistence and unwavering belief can lead us to the fulfillment of our goals and the realization of our deepest desires. “Do it again.” For in doing so, you may discover that your greatest achievements lie just beyond your next attempt.
Links
Series
Do It Again | PART3 | Marcus Avalos
Sacrifice & Surrender:
Most Believers Are Not in danger of ruining their lives. They’re facing a danger that’s far greater: WASTING THEM
BIG IDEA: WHAT YOU REPEAT WILL BE REWARDED. DO IT AGAIN! TEXT: 1 Kings 19:21
Background: Elisha was an ordinary kid growing up on a farm. In the midst of a 3 year drought, he was working the farm by plowing the dry, cracked fields. While Elisha was fulfilling his duties as a son, God was planning His future as a prophet. He would become the successor of Elijah who was in the midst of depression after one of his greatest victories at Mount Carmel. It was here that God spoke to Elijah asking Him to anoint Elisha as his successor by throwing his cloak over him.
SIDE NOTE: 1 Kings 19:11-12 Elijas Assignment Came in a Whisper POINT: GOD’S VOICE COMES IN VARIOUS FORMS; LISTEN
11 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. …15 Then the LORD said to him: "Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus;and when you arrive anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah, he shall be anointed as prophet in your place.
**CAN YOU DISCERN HIS VOICE ABOVE ALL THE NOISE? **Italic
ELISHA PRINCIPLES:Italic _TEXT: 19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth.
**1. GOD USES THE ORDINARY TO DO GREATER WORK. ** Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you."
2. YOU DON'T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND FULLY TO OBEY IMMEDIATELY
_And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" 21 So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen's equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate.
- YOU CANT ENTER INTO NEW LIFE TILL YOU SET FIRE TO THE OLD LIFE Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.__
THE PATH TO A GREATER LIFE REVOLVES AROUND THESE 2: SACRIFICE<u>Underline</u> SURRENDER<u>Underline</u>
GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR FULL OBEDIENCE<u>Underline</u> rather than YOUR <u>FULL UNDERSTANDING</u>Bold