“Success comes from taking the initiative and following up… persisting… What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?” ~ Anthony Robbins

John Maxwell says that “momentum is a leader’s best friend.”  He calls it the “Big Mo.”  When you have momentum, it magnifies your accomplishments and makes you appear better than you really are.  When you lose momentum however, the opposite is true: It magnifies your weaknesses and causes people to doubt your potential.

As leaders, we must bring momentum to our cause.  Early on it can feel a lot like getting a freight train started moving down the tracks.  The amount of time and energy being applied doesn’t seem to be generating much momentum.  This is a crucial time, don’t let up.  Momentum usually builds slowly.  It is the result of good and consistent process that does the right things day after day.  Just like a freight train gradually gaining speed, once you build momentum it takes a lot to slow you down.  Be patient, it takes a lot of time and effort to build momentum.

On his first missionary journey, Paul reached a critical stage where he couldn’t let up.  I’m sure he must of felt like quitting but instead he boldly pressed on.  This account captures how determination is essential to building momentum. This turning point in Paul’s ministry was the result of building momentum.

After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.  (Acts 14:21-22 NLT)

This was literally at a make it or break it point in the ministry of Paul and his team.  He was coming off a very bad experience that almost cost him his life.  He didn’t quit however and kept pressing on doing the right things day after day.  He started gaining momentum when “many disciples” responded to his message and joined his cause. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

What’s so amazing about this account is that each of the cities mentioned in this passage were places where Paul had previously failed.  His new found momentum gave him the courage and confidence to boldly go back to and gain victory the second time around.  Now that’s determination!

Momentum was Paul’s friend.  It’s your friend too.  If you do the right things day after day, you will gain momentum.  Don’t quit when things get tough. Stay encouraged, be strong, be bold, build momentum and it will be your friend.

As a Christian leader, your confidence is in Christ and not in your circumstances.  When you are weak, He is strong.  No matter what challenges you face today, stay determined and press on in God’s strength.  Momentum is your friend!