Defining Moments

         Defining moments are life-altering or crucial moments that God uses to demonstrate Himself in an obvious way, resulting in you never being the same again. Defining moments often change the trajectory of one’s life. Defining moments often reveal character, conviction, calling and faith.

         Some defining moments are positive and some are painful. Some defining moments are successes and some are failures. Some defining moments are experiences and some are events. Yet, all impact us for a lifetime.

         • Abraham’s defining moment was his calling (Heb. 11:8-12, 17-19). A simple man of faith living in Ur, God interrupted Abraham’s life with a specific calling. God prompted Abraham to pack up his possessions and his family and move to a land that God had not yet fully revealed to him. That act of obedient faith was a defining moment in Abraham’s life and the nation of Israel.

         • Joseph’s defining moment had to do with his character. While Joseph experienced many ups-and-downs in his life, the defining moment was likely the two years he served after being forgotten by the Pharoah’s cupbearer (Gen. 40:1-15, 23, 41:1). After Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharoah’s cupbearer and baker, Joseph’s fellow inmates, the cupbearer was restored to his place of service to Pharoah. As the cupbearer departed the prison, Joseph asked him to “put in a good word” for him. It was two years before Joseph’s opportunity arrived. Those two years of anonymity in prison both revealed and strengthen the character of Joseph.

         • Daniel’s defining moment had to do with convictions. Daniel was a Hebrew deported to Babylon during the Babylonian Captivity. One purpose of this deportation was to indoctrinate key captives in the ways of the Babylonians in order to build loyalty and prevent future rebellion. While away from his homeland, Daniel lived through two empires and four rulers, and rose to places of importance (Dan. 2:48; 5:29; 6:28); all without compromising his spiritual convictions. Daniel’s decision to reject the king’s food and eat only vegetables and drink only water (Dan. 6) early in his captivity was his defining moment and set the stage for his future spiritual successes.

         • Mary’s defining moment focused on her faith. When the angel appeared to the young Hebrew girl and announced that she would give birth to Messiah, Mary responded in faith. Her life would be turned upside-down as a result of God’s decision. By faith, she accepted God’s plan, lived out God’s plan and trusted Him through the process. Mary’s faith-decision to trust God that day changed the trajectory of her life.

         Here are some takeaways:

         • The most important defining moments are spiritual in nature and have eternal implications. (Abraham)

         • Defining moments are successfully navigated because we have remained faithful in many smaller moments prior to the defining moment. (Joseph)

         • Defining moments are successfully navigated because Christians hold deep convictions about God’s power, God’s presence and the priority of God in one’s life. (Daniel)

         Defining moments, for a Christ-follower, always involve faith in God’s promises. It involves faith to obey Him. It involves faith to prioritize Him. It involves faith to get up after a failure. It involves faith to carry on, even when there seem to be no visible results.

         What are the defining moments in your life, so far? What are some spiritual decisions that changed the trajectory of your life?