Are you ready for the NEXT LEVEL?

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BY ABRAM GOMEZ

Before I begin, let me just say that I believe God has amazing plans for you.  I believe that one of His desires is to see you become everything He has destined for you to be.

Ok, now let me also add this statement:  I am a big believer in personal growth.

I became an investor in my own growth several years ago when I was promoted to the Executive Pastor in my church.  Previously, I had already achieved some personal goals in my twenties such as obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree and being in the ministry full-time.  However, promotion definitely exposes your preparedness or lack thereof.  When I was promoted, I quickly realized I was in a different arena of demands over my life.  The expectations had changed and I would need to keep up if I wanted to maximize the opportunity the Lord had entrusted me with.  So, I began to put together growth goals that would further develop the gift inside of me.  I have learned that no one grows by accident.  We grow because we are intentional about becoming better.  God may determine our capacity, but it is our duty to develop the potential He has deposited within our lives.

I see people all the time who desire to go to the next level in their lives.  From education to business to health, many want to do better for themselves.  Personally, I don’t see a problem with wanting to improve the quality of your life.  I love to see people succeed.  I feel that the problem does not lie with the desire of going to the next level, but with what the next level requires.  As you go higher in your field, ministry, or career, demand increases.  Luke 12:48 states, “…to whom much is given, from him much will be required.”

Let me share a few things I have learned in my own personal experience about the NEXT LEVEL:

1.  Every new level has a PRICE. Lebron James is the best basketball player on the planet right now.  Yet, he is also the most scrutinized player.  He is criticized when he has a bad night and is responsible if they lose.  Greatness has a price tag.  As God takes you higher and gives you more, understand that there will be new challenges and you will need to make sacrifices to continually reach your potential.

2.  Every new level has a PAIN. Every promotion has its pain.  Paul, who wrote half of the New Testament, stated in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”  New levels bring new devils.  Noah was promoted by being selected to build the ark, but then he had to deal with the pain of riding out the storm.  Joseph was promoted in his spirit and in his dreams, and immediately became rejected by his brothers. David received a promotion by the prophet Samuel as the next king, and then had to run from Saul to avoid his spears.  A famous preacher once said, “God will promote you to your level of tolerance for pain.”  The pain and tension could simply be the evidence that you have arrived at a new level.

3.  Every new level has a PRIZE. Always remember that the greater the investment, the greater the return.  You may have to sacrifice time for your education but in the end, it will be worth it.  Maybe you are being asked to go from employee to manager.  The task may seem daunting, but remember that God is with you.  It could be that God has asked more of you in this season, but remember that the seeds you sow today will be the harvest you reap tomorrow.  Keep your eye on the prize.

God wants to take you to the next level.  The question is:  Are you ready for the NEXT LEVEL?