Recently while at the beach, I was mesmerized by the waves. The powerful yet majestic way they moved, with a thunderous sound, crashing in on the shoreline with the white foam splashing all around. Looking beyond the shoreline I saw a windsurfer, his sail up, the wind was propelling him where the sail was pointed. He was dancing on the waves and turned with each ebb and flow.
The windsurfers’ sail must be up for him to sail. It must be pointed to catch the wind to move him forward. As in life, what is raised up will catch the “north wind” and move us. There are many things in this life we cannot control, but we can control how we respond to them. Life doesn’t have to make us bitter; it can make us better.
Wind is unseen, but the effects are obvious. Prevailing winds can move us in a natural direction – but going against the flow we need our own engine. In the world the herd mentality is an accepted direction where the mantra is “everyone does it, so will I”. This “broad way” leads to death and many find it in Matthew 7:13. Just because it is normal in the world’s eyes doesn’t mean it’s right in God’s eyes. Hosea 8:7 confirms this by saying… “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind….”
To “ride” or harness the wind is every water-sporters desire; to glide effortlessly under the power of another. In Ecclesiastes 1:6:
“Blowing toward the south, then turning toward the north, the wind continues swirling along; And on its circular courses the wind returns.
Without our sail up, we can be moved involuntarily, and be led to unwanted destinations. Wandering aimlessly is inevitable. In Ephesians 4:14 says describes this “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
What lifts our sail? Lifting our hearts and our expectations lift our eyes and we see his redemption drawing nigh! In John 3:8:
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
As believers we have a prevailing wind in our lives – the Holy Spirit. Will we let him direct our way? Will we yield to his power? Yes Lord!
Motivation
Where are you going? Are you just floating, going nowhere? Are you stuck watching others ride the waves? No motivation? We all have ruts when nothing seems to be moving – God can breathe on you again with fresh direction.
Read: Holy Spirit and Men: Turning The World Upside Down
Many struggle with motivation. Sometimes our body feels like a huge piece of iron, and to not move, or does nothing, is all that we can do. The “cattle prodded” may drive us for a season but it won’t last. It is so important to break up your routine and be revived.
Motivation moves you when you’re:
- Inspired – what makes you come alive?
- Encouraged by God
- Challenged by others
- Realization that we are Sick and tired of being sick and tired
- Freedom to make a mistake
- Accountability and training
Motivation killers are:
- Toxic people
- Naysayers
- Stress
- Fear
- Micromanagement
- Excuses
Identify what steals your wind and adjust and run at the wave!
The North Wind
Being led in the way of God is not always a gentle way. The North Wind in the Bible speaks of God’s direction in the power of the Spirit. In Ezekiel 1:4 ,”
As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.”
Wherever he leads you His presence and power will keep you.
Being moved in the Spirit, His wind will have all that you need to get you where God has intended you to be. We cannot circumvent the call of God. Nothing done or undone will cancel out God’s will for you – the process may take longer but In Psalms 107:30:
“they were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”
In Song of Solomon 4:16:
“Awake, O north wind, and come, wind of the south; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden and eat its choice fruits!”
As we pray, we can sense the breeze of the north wind, we move in its direction and get into its path and we are moved in HIS WAY.
Often, we look for the “good life” but is it God’s Life? Ways to discern where the wind is blowing is to prayerfully consider:
- Jump in the vision of your church doing – Local missions or beyond?
- Serving others, we move outside our comfort zones
- Linger after service and “be known” to others and be loved.
- Do what you can with what you have now.
Maybe, you’re happy where you are. Maybe you’re on the wave or you’re resting in a cove. The real question is do you feel the breeze of the north wind on your face and in your life?
Jason is a graduate from Maryland Bible College and Seminary, and presently he leads the Pastoral Care Team of Greater Grace Church in Baltimore. Since age 16, Jason has been involved with mission work among the former Soviet-Bloc countries in Eastern Europe, as well as in Asia, and in the United States. While living in Ukraine, he helped church plant three new churches that continue to thrive today under trained nationals. He has also written five books and has his own podcast (www.InnerRevolution.us)
