DON’T DRAW BACK YOUR HAND

DON’T DRAW BACK YOUR HAND

Gen 38:27-30

And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. ²⁸ And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. ²⁹ And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. ³⁰ And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

I.                    A NEW YEAR IS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CYCLE

1.      During a new cycle forces beyond our control make breakthrough possible

·         Rotation of the earth around sun causing seasons

·         Ex. Growing of certain crops

·         Ex. Potty Training

·         Ex. Puberty

·         Ex. Childbirth contractions

2.      These times are characterized by difficulty

Don’t draw back your hand

·         Scarlet – sign of power, prosperity, royalty (scarlet and purple

·         The comfort of the old Season

II.                 PRINCIPLES FOR BREAKTHROUGH

1.      Refocus on Destiny

S – Spiritual Gifts

H – Heart Inclinations

A - Attitudes

P - Personality

E – Experiences

2.      Develop a plan

a.       Decide what you are going to do

b.      Determine how you will do it

c.       Pick who is needed to help you

d.      Get Moving (when)

3.      Bury Regret

Phil 3:13-14

I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. ¹⁴ I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.

Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future.    - Fulton Oursler

4.      Change your Name

Character produces names and names form character

a.       Wrestle with yourself

Gen 32:28

And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed

b.      Wrestle with God until He changes you

5.      Stay Optimistic

Matthew 9:23

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

6.      Keep Moving

James 2:17

So then faith that doesn’t involve action is phony