Taking Action—2017 GLS Faculty Spotlight

JUST ADDED! We are thrilled to announce that one of Africa’s top leadership voices and Summit favorite, Sam Adeyemi, will return to the Global Leadership Summit in 2017. In the inspirational post below, Sam explores three steps necessary for leaders to take action.

God Moves When You Move

Some of the most frequent questions I get from people are: How do I begin, what do I do, and where do I get the money to start when I know God has laid something great on my heart?

These questions are valid and important, however what’s more important is for us to think about how we can create or carry out a plan to do what God has inspired us to do.

Why?

Because action always beats inaction.

You can consume countless books, sermon series, blogs, tutorial videos and memes and attend numerous conferences, seminars and anything else that provides information, but if you don’t implement these things you learn, you’ll never make progress.

We are discussing Taking Action. This is a simple and powerful message we have to grasp as believers. If you do not act on what God says, you will not see results.

I’ll even dare to say that if you do not even try to act on it, you will never know what God really wants for you. Jesus said: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” Matt 7:24.

This Scripture provides you with everything you need to know to get started.

You might be asking, how?

You can start living out the vision God has for you by taking three simple steps.

First, you must hear. Then, you have to practice. Finally, you’re ready to build.

1. HEAR

Most of us do a pretty good job of this because it’s the easiest part. We get fired up from a sermon or a book and we’re just like sponges—ready to understand and absorb what we’ve just heard.

But for those of us who have a harder time with this part, it’s important to realize that we should be taking time to be still and truly listen to God’s still, small voice to receive the guidance we truly need.

Because quite honestly, everything you hear isn’t God’s voice. So, be sure to take time to discern between what you need to listen to and what you need to ignore.

2. PRACTICE

After you’ve heard God’s voice and His instructions to you loud and clear, it’s time to put what you’ve learned to work.

Taking action is not a one-time approach that will fix everything. Instead, it’s a long-lasting approach. The Scripture above says ‘if you practice’ meaning you have to keep doing it over and over again.

Your decision to take action today will elevate you above other people in your field. All you have to do is keep trying and learning from your actions until you see results.

Truth is, some of us are not where we want to be in life because we’ve given up too quickly. We have to be willing to stick to something long enough to yield results and take solace in the fact that we can rest on God’s word.

3. BUILD

As you start to practice and learn, you’ll start to build. This is the part where you start to see the manifestation of the vision God has given you.

The Scripture above says, ‘like a house built on a rock,’ meaning with practice, you will be strong, confident and full of faith. And no matter what happens, you will not waiver on the path toward long-lasting success.

The reason we often do not see results in our lives is usually because of lack of action on the information (revelation) we receive from God’s word.

Simple action will provide results (whether they are positive or negative) and you have to be willing to try something—even if that particular action doesn’t immediately propel you toward your ultimate vision.

The goal here is progress—not perfection. As you start taking steps, you’ll learn along the way and what you learn will help you make informed decisions on what to do next.

My Challenge to You

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

I want you to know that God will move on your behalf during this season and you will experience changes in your life like never before. But you must have enough faith to take ACTION.

So I challenge you to do something today that you have been putting off.

Make that phone call.

Implement what you’ve learned in that conference or seminar.

Start that business.

Take that course.

Go back to school.

JUST DO IT! Start taking action today and remember: When you move, God
moves.

God is on your side, my friend!

-Sam

 Under Sam Adeyemi’s leadership, Daystar Christian Centre grew from a handful of people to more than 25,000 weekly, with highly recognized community impact projects. The author of numerous best-selling books, his television programs reach viewers on all continents. Adeyemi founded Daystar Leadership Academy, which is dedicated to releasing a new generation of leaders who will serve as catalysts in the transformation of Africa and the world. This article originally appeared on his blog here. 

Guest faculty members are invited to participate in The Global Leadership Summit based on proven leadership abilities in their field of expertise. Their beliefs may not necessarily reflect those of Willow Creek Association and Willow Creek Community Church, and their presence at the Summit does not imply blanket endorsement of their views or affiliations.