Momentum

Momentum

By Carol L. Doyel –

Yesterday as I was hiking and talking to the Lord as I often do when I’m walking or running – praying, seeking and listening, I was mulling something over that had happened the day before that threw me off, causing me to question my work and my calling, and if what I’m doing is really making a difference. Then came doubt and fear…all within a matter of minutes.

I felt a sense of discouragement from one simple turn of events. I had been working hard and was experiencing some success on a number of projects, and then with one email I began to question my work and purpose. As I thought about it more, the word “momentum” came to mind and I realized that is what I had been experiencing before the incident that brought everything to a stop, so to speak.

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Unfortunately, when we lose our momentum it can take days, or for some people, it can take much longer to get it back. One moment you’re moving forward with ease, and the next thing you know you’re almost paralyzed. We all know someone who because of discouragement or rejection gave up on their dreams and goals in life.

What I mean by momentum is the experience of forward movement – that can create inertia in our work, creative projects, artistic focus, a business initiative, really anything that we are focused and working on.

I looked up the word momentum and found at dictionary.com that one of the meanings is “driving power or strength”, and part of the Latin meaning is “movement, moving power”. As I read further about “Momentum in Science” it went on about velocity and other concepts that gave me a deeper understanding of the word. What I found particularly interesting is the scientific description that follows:

“Momentum is a conserved quantity (it remains constant unless acted upon by an outside force), and is related by Noether’s theorem to translational invariance.”

And there it is, in the middle of the sentence in parenthesis, the very thing that caused me to lose my momentum – “an outside force” – that threatened or caused me to lose my momentum. Now, I know there are times that we need to slow down, to pause and think about things, and make sure that we are on the right course and seeking God for direction. But that is different than outside distractions that can keep us from doing what we are called to do.

In some cases God will reveal if we need to adjust our course, but momentum is very important and can help when we are working on a project or initiative that requires a lot of focus or concentration.

A good example is when someone is doing research or working on an experiment in a lab, it is critical that they stay focused because when they are on to something, one thing can lead to another, which can lead to great discoveries. Many of our great inventors, artists, researchers and entrepreneurs have experienced success due to momentum. I believe with movement, physical work, mental focus, problem solving, etc. that as one moves through challenges, set-backs, trials, failures and opposition, and they preserver, it can lead to momentum – “a movement that is more resistant to outside forces or interference, because you are focused on the goal or objective.”

Let me give you a good example. Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? Before learning how to actually ride the bike you probably started out by simply sitting on the seat, pushing off without peddling, but if you tipped too far one way or another you would fall over, but after finally managing to get your balance you would begin riding down the sidewalk, but if you pushed a bit too hard on one peddle you would lose your balance and have to start again. Each step could easily stop you if not done correctly until that glorious day came when you managed to put all the movements together by jumping on, pushing off while slinging your leg over just so, keeping your balance you began to peddle, which sent you sailing down the sidewalk as your mom or dad ran behind you shouting words of praise, then you hit that sweet spot – bingo – momentum, and you were off and riding in the wind.

This my friend is momentum – managing to get all of the steps figured out, the moves synchronized, and moving without the disturbances of external forces. Momentum brings confidence. Remember how proud you were the day you managed to accomplish all of the individual steps that allowed you to ride like the wind? That same process applies to your work, business, calling-ministry and life.

A friend called me recently to share about a dream she had where God revealed a painting technique to her, step-by-step, exactly how to do it. Previously her best effort at art was pretty dismal (she showed me her drawings). Immediately upon waking she wanted to go to the store to buy the art supplies because she was so excited to get started while the revelation was fresh. The individual steps of the process was revealed to her but now it was up to her to start painting, and so she did and she didn’t stop painting for two months. She said she could have painted 24 hours a day, but she managed to stop to rest and eat, but the point is – what she experienced was momentum.

Momentum is what allows us to accomplish great things. When we’re experiencing momentum we must be careful not to get “caught off guard” by an outside force. We have to discern when God is calling us to pause versus external distractions that can cause us to doubt, question, or  to quit. There will always be people who will question our calling or naysayers who act as a “devil’s advocate” – discouraging people from stepping out in faith and trying new things.

We have to be extremely careful about what we let into our sphere or “who” we let into our circle. It’s important to have trusted close friends, Jesus had three whom he confided in and spent intimate time with, as well as a larger group of 12 disciples who he taught and traveled with. We too need to have a few or maybe just one or two close friends whom we trust and can share our aspirations and dreams with. At times though it may be necessary to keep them to yourself, I’m sure there are things that Jesus did not even share with Peter, James or John.

You must protect your dreams and not allow external forces to distract you or stop your momentum as your work and move forward in all that God has called you to do and be. Seek God with all of your heart, mind and strength and when He says to pause, slow down or stop – make sure you do. There are also times we must wait on the Lord before moving one step forward. “When we wait upon the Lord, our strength will be renewed and we will mount up on wings like eagles, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

The enemy will do his best to distract you, detain you, and cause you to doubt your purpose here on earth. We must be faithful to accomplish the work that we’ve been given in the natural. My husband is a bridge builder and a structural iron worker – I am grateful that he is gifted and capable to accomplish the work he has been given to do, which I may add is very dangerous and I know God has fashioned him a certain way to do this kind of work and not me. Each of us have distinct gifts and innate abilities that allow us to do the work we were created to do here on earth.

Imagine if my friend who woke up with the revelation of how to paint, by the way her paintings are very anointed and beautiful, but if she would have stopped to talk it over with a friend who might have questioned her instead of doing what God had showed her to do? The friend or “external force” might have kept her from doing what possibly could be her greatest calling in life. Thankfully she did not, instead she painted for two months and experienced incredible momentum which allowed her to complete a number of amazing paintings that she has numbered, named and is planning to have prints made of each one.

Whatever you are called to do, whether it’s building bridges, running a company, going to the ends of the earth to share the gospel, or maybe it’s to raise the best kids you can, I want to encourage you to get on your bike and ride like the wind – so you might also experience the kind of momentum that can catapult you to greatness!

 

Carol Doyel is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of LivingBetter50.com. She is a graduate of The Full Gospel Bible Institute and has a passion for women’s ministries, issues and lives. She and her husband of 26+ years have three grown kids and four grandchildren. They currently reside in southern CA. Her desire is to inspire women to live better physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

 

6 thoughts on “Momentum”

  1. Carol,
    I’ve had those times when I was moving forward and a moment occurred to stop me in my tracks. Actually it was more like hitting a brick wall, causing me to question the path I was on. You expressed it so well. You fell off your bike but it didn’t stop you. You are back on, riding with your arms stretched wide!

  2. Thank you Karen – Yes I do fall off from time to time, which I believe helps to refine us and train us to “ride well”.. Funny, this morning our Pastor’s message included an ending “Don’t Give Up” and I sensed the Lord speaking to me personally as He so often does through others and His word – DON’T GIVE UP! When we put our hand to the plow we’re not to turn back, and the Lord instructs us many times throughout the Word to be courageous…and to finish strong. Appreciate your feedback! God Bless You!

  3. This was such a timely piece, Carol. I just did a teleseminar on momentum the same day you published this post. I couldn’t agree with you more about how an intense focus often changes the dynamics between just spinning your wheels and really moving forward. Enjoyed your thoughts!

    1. Oh that’s so funny Kathy – I guess as entrepreneurs we both know the importance of momentum. Feel free to share tips from your teleseminar with us, I think it will reinforce the message. Feel free to use my piece too if you would like. Best, carol

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