Is It Time To Pivot?

One of the funniest, if not the funniest episode of “Friends” is when Ross, Rachel, and Chandler attempt to move a new couch into Ross’s apartment. If you haven’t seen it, get ready to roll on the floor. (Click here if you need a good laugh.)

As the trio navigate an enormous couch up a narrow stairwell, Ross encourages them to “pivot” so they can get around the bend. As you’ll see, it did not have a happy ending.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this word “pivot” recently. Not only in my own life, but in others as they seek to move from one season to the next, whether it be in their career, location, or relationships. There’s a sense of urgency about wanting to make the right decision.

“Should I stay or should I go?” This 1980’s song by The Clash seems like the theme song as of late in so many of my conversations. So many options, which is the best one?

They say the road less travelled is best. They say when you don’t know which way to go, just decide and go. However, both of these seem willy-nilly to me.

On a recent walk, the words “purposeful pivoting” came to my mind and I thought…that’s it! If we are going to pivot our lives, shouldn’t this major change have a purpose and a plan? As silly as it was to watch, Ross and the gang practiced this very thing. There was a purpose to their pivoting.

Before we decide to take a leap of faith, should we not first decide the purpose for the pivot? Should we not ask God what His will is first? Otherwise, we are just pivoting for pivoting’s sake. Chasing shiny apples, hoping one will taste good. Seems like a waste of valuable time to me and I’m not getting any younger!

Like you, there have been multiple pivots in my life. Yet, this most recent one has been particularly challenging as I seek God’s next steps in His plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11).

However, here’s what I’m learning, and I pray if you are in a ‘pivoting pickle,” that it helps you:

  1. Get into God’s Word. When something is broken in our home or car, what do we do? We go to the instruction manual to find the cause. When something isn’t working in our lives, we need to go back to God’s instruction manual, the Bible, to discover the cause. God’s will for our lives is in His Word. Countless times, Jesus quoted Scriptures as he preached and taught.
  2. Get advice…but not too much. The Bible tells us that there’s wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 15:22), yet we know that too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many opinions can cause confusion. Also, we need to be sure we are consulting with those who have our best interests at heart and who are pointing us to God’s will, not theirs or even ours.
  3. Slow down. In this hectic, 24/7/365 world, it can be hard to separate from the noise and get quiet. God is not going to compete with our schedule. He wants us all to Himself. Many times, if not daily, Jesus spent time alone with His Father so that He was aligned with His will and plan.
  4. Take a step. When we sense God is leading us in a particular direction and we are getting confirmations, it’s time to use our faith and step out. While it may be scary, nothing happens without someone taking action. The Red Sea did not part until the Israelites stepped forward. No one did it for them. They had to do it.

As I continue to percolate on this next season, I will be taking my own advice. Soaking up God’s Word, seeking wise counsel, slowing down, and ultimately taking a step of faith.

With God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with me, I’m confident that my pivot will be purposeful and prosperous.

If you’re in a pivoting season, I’d love to hear about it! Click here to message me today.

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