Miracle Moments

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James Bond

To say my wife, Julie, and I enjoy the 007 franchise would be a bit of an understatement. Over the years, we have been excited to visit some of the locations that have played host to our illustrious hero—such as James Bond Island in Thailand where?“Man with the Golden Gun”?was filmed; Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands, which was a temporary home for MI6 in?“The World is Not Enough”; and the Glen Etive road where an iconic?“Skyfall”?scene was filmed. In fact, we even met Roger Moore before he died and had him sign his book, “My Word is My Bond”, for us—I guess you could say, when it comes to 007, we are pretty hardcore.

For my 50th birthday, Julie and I decided to celebrate with a James Bond themed celebration with just?a couple?of close friends—or so I thought. Unbeknown to me, she had arranged for?fifty?of our friends, along with our family, to dress up in tuxedos and evening gowns for a full-blown James Bond surprise party! And boy, what a party it was. Themed music and food, red carpet, party lights, the lot. There was a photo booth with fun 007 styled props, and Julie had even connected with many of our international family and past clients to video record birthday blessings with a 007 theme for me, which played on a large projector screen. It was a celebration for the ages.

Miracle Moment

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good party. I am an extravert. Crowds are typically a flashing billboard invitation for me to fill my emotional tank. However, to be honest, there was a part of me that felt unworthy of all the time, love and extravagant effort that my bride, family and friends had put in to my birthday celebration. Such a party seemed way too much on behalf of?me.?

Why go to these lengths? Why take such time out of all their busy lives? Well, the reason was simple. They saw something that I wasn’t seeing... the?miracle?of me living to 50 years of age was a miracle worth celebrating. They saw a miracle moment and seized upon it. What’s more, they felt that 007 was a very apt theme for doing so.

Many times throughout the evening stories were shared and told by different people of how God had impacted their lives through my life. There were funny stories of grand international adventures, serious stories of hard decisions that needed to be made, inspirational stories of impossible obstacles to overcome and yes, even some stories that might leave a person a little shaken, but not?stirred!

Don’t Breeze Past

It’s very easy to breeze past miracle moments in a bid to get to the next big thing. But in-so-doing we miss the chance to see and to celebrate our God at work.?

In the gospel of John, chapter 12 and verses 1-2 we get to witness a pre-celebration celebration.?

“Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.”

Can you imagine the joy and the celebration that would have been around that table as Jesus and Lazarus shared a meal together with extended family and friends? There is no doubt in my mind that they recounted the miracle story that had happened in Bethany sometime before as they celebrated the goodness of God together. The time spent around that table was a very important event that would posture their hearts in preparation for the Passover, and would ensure the story of the miracle would be told for generations to follow and never be forgotten.?

As an international business leader, speaker and advisor, I lead a fast paced life involving regular long-haul travel, meeting amazing people and participating in life-changing events in crazy places. Over time however, many of the travels have felt a bit like different scenes from an action movie. Due to the rapid pace of going from plane to train to boat to car, I can find it very easy to breeze past miracle moments in a bid to get to the next thing.?

When I breeze past the miracle moments I miss much of the joy that is mine to experience. What’s more, the opportunity to share that joy with others who have also been part of these moments gets lost. Stopping, eating and celebrating the miracle stories with others allows for perspectives to be added, missing pieces to be filled in, and for the awe and wonder of what God has done to refill hearts our and minds.?

Impactful Observations

Here are some impactful observations I have made of the times I?havestopped long enough to celebrate miracle moments. Firstly, when vocabulary is formed around the miracle, it enables the story to be transferred easily to others. Easy communication is imperative for a testimony to be released. Second, alignment with the purposes of God is achieved by ascribing value to what Heaven values. If you are out of alignment with Heaven’s values, the problem is not on God’s end. Heaven’s values system will never adjust. Third, the story doesn’t get lost for the generations that follow. Oral tradition ensures that generations who follow us stand a chance of?knowing God and following His ways. And fourth, acknowledgment that God is at work in and through us in that moment encourages us to take risks once more in the future. Faith is always spelt R.I.S.K (more on that in a few week’s time).

What Now?

Press pause for a moment to stop and consider praying through the following questions:?

1. Have there been miracles in your business that you have never articulated??
2. Are there people you need to get in to a room with to celebrate the past work of God that has occurred through you all??
3. What risks are you afraid to take, that may need to be placed in the context of what God has done and is currently doing with you??

Here at Anothen we have a proven track record of being able to help Senior Business Leaders across the world position themselves to enter miracle territory and encounter miracle moments. We build leaders to hear from Heaven.

Perhaps today you could join me in praying something like this...

“Father, my performance drive has caused me to miss celebrating miracle moments on so many occasions. Help me to stop, celebrate and share the joy of the miracle moment with those You have placed on the journey with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

As you celebrate all that God has done, there is a very real likelihood that the tide of your faith will rise high, ready for the next big risk. And, just like James Bond… you?will?return!

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