Defining moment is a moment that defines something, such as success, failure, achievement, demise, talent, etc. It is a point at which the glory or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified. Defining moment can be a moment of crisis or a moment of breakthrough that turns a person’s life around. I once read a quote by the former USA presidents, Barrack Obama, which he made during his Presidential victory speech, in November 4, 2008. The quote states:
“It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America”.
In the above quote, President Obama described a defining moment as a time of change. What does defining moment mean to you? Every single life is built upon a series of defining moments. Some of these could be moment of crisis, such as death of a loved one, illness, accident, job losses, divorce, domestic violence, abuse, bad relationship, sin, debt or barrenness. It could also be a moment of joy and celebration like wedding, graduation, promotion, new jobs, new birth, birthday, salvation, sanctification, baptism of the holy spirit or water baptism. It could be a moment of forgiveness, a moment that you allow all the pain, bitterness, hurt and anger to die. These moments are defining because they do not only change the direction of our life, but literally changed our personality.
SOME DEFINING MOMENTS IN THE BIBLE
Our Lord Jesus experienced a defining moment when he performed the miracle of turning water into wine. This was the moment that Jesus was recognised for who He was, the moment that defined Him as a miracle worker, the moment that people began to put their faith in Him .It was the moment that defined His mission on earth, the moment that His glory was revealed (John 2:1-11).
One of the greatest defining moments in the bible is the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, without which there will be no salvation, there will be no forgiveness or remission of sin and we will all perish (John 3:16–18; Hebrews 9:22; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 6:23). Another defining moment in the ministry of our Lord Jesus happened when the disciples were crossing the sea with Him and they encountered a great storm. This was a defining moment for Jesus Christ as He calmed the raging sea and His disciples were able to recognise and acknowledge the awesome power of His mighty act (Mark 4:37-41).This event was also a defining moment for the disciples as Jesus was able to identify their lack of faith.
Job is another person that experienced a defining moment in the bible. Job passed through a moment of crisis that stripped him off his wealth and family and he was tempted to curse God. This was a moment that shaped Job and turned his life around from wealth to poverty (Job 2:7-10).
Another example of defining moment in the bible is the story of a woman who experienced the flow of blood for 12 years. This must have been a demeaning and stressful situation for the woman as she spent lots of money looking for cure and she never found any. The woman experienced a defining moment, a moment that took virtues out of our Lord Jesus Christ, a moment she was made whole (Mark 5:25-34).
In Daniel 3:16-28, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego refused to worship the golden image of king Nebuchadnezzar and they were thrown into the fury furnace, but the fire did not burn them. This was a defining moment that caused the king to recognise the wonder working power of God upon the life of these three men. Similarly, in Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel refused to follow king Darius’s decree that, no one should pray to any other god except him. Daniel continued to pray to his God and the king decided to throw him into the lion’s den. Daniel believed that God would save him, and miraculously, the hungry lion did not hurt him. This amused the king and he made a rule for everyone in the land to serve the God of Daniel. Daniel made history in his land and caused the rule of the land to change. He also prospered and had a new beginning.
HOW DO YOU REACT DURING A DEFINING MOMENT?
As a human, it is easy to let emotions dictate our response during a defining moment and how we respond during such moment will determine the beginning of a journey that will shape our faith , our personality, our walk with God and literarily change the direction of our life. Beloved what situation are you in at the moment? Are you under pressure and have been advised by families and friends to curse God and die like job’s wife said to him? or are you tempted to renounce your identity as a Christian and serve another god like Daniel, or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? are you taking your anger on people around you like your wife, husbands, kids, colleagues, mum, dad , friends and family? or are you planning to harm yourself because you are faced with challenges of life that is beyond your control and you are about to give up? Few week ago, I heard the story of a 28 years old woman that committed suicide because she was abused by her partner. This woman reacted negatively to her defining moment and took her own life.
In the bible, the disciples of Jesus reacted negatively to their defining moment, they were angry and charged Jesus for not caring about them, Jesus rebuked them and challenged their lack of faith (Mark 4:37-41). How do you react during your moment of crisis, do you blame God, or do you trust him for deliverance? The woman with the issue of blood reacted positively to her situation by having faith in Jesus. She faced her fear, took a step of faith and touched the hemp of Jesus garment and she was made whole. Do you face your fear and build up your faith during your defining moment or do you just breakdown and cry without trusting God? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were faced with death and they reacted positively by trusting in the Lord and they were delivered, just like Daniel. How do you react when you are threatened with death for been a Christian? Do you change your mind and renounce God, or do you hold on to your faith and stand firm in the Lord?
How do you react during your moment of celebration, do you boast in yourself instead of boasting in God for the job well done? or do you praise yourself for your achievement instead of praising God. Jesus gave a parable about a rich man in Luke 12:16-20. The rich man had a defining moment, because he had an abundant harvest and he started planning how he will store his surplus grain over the years. He was also planning how he will relax, eat, drink and celebrate his achievement. But, the same night, God called him a fool and asked for His life. Instead of this man thanking God for his blessing and trusting God for more bountiful harvest, he leaned on his own understanding and forsook God. What about you? do you lean on your own understanding during your defining moment? do you plan to celebrate your moment of achievement and success without involving God? Do you take action without seeking direction from God? The bible says, “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The biggest problem we may face in our defining moments is how to react when they occur. For example, most countries in the world has recently experienced coronavirus pandemic which has claimed so many lives. Most of these affected countries have rules, guidance and guidelines in place to keep people safe from contracting or transmitting the virus to reduce the number of deaths. Some of these guidelines include lockdown, isolation and shielding for weeks, which prevented families and friends from seeing each other. While Some people were unable to cope and experienced loneliness and depression, others developed coping strategies like, chatting on social media, video calls, WhatsApp, skype, facetime, zoom, Team etc. While some broke the rule by going out, others followed the rules and developed stronger faith, with prayer and supplication and continue to trust in God for divine intervention. While some people identified new talent, others started charity works and donated food and money to the needy. The situation became the beginning of a “new normal” as people have to wear mask, maintain social distancing, wash hands and many more. Coronavirus pandemic remain a defining moment in history that people will live to remember for long. To some people it is a defining moment of crisis and sadness due to loss of loved ones and to others it is a defining moment of closeness to God, building stronger faith in Jesus, discovering new talent and supporting each other.
In conclusion, a defining moment may be a moment of change, a moment to help those in need, a moment to discover new talent, a moment of pain, a moment of sadness, a moment of crisis, a moment of peace , a moment of new beginning , a Moment of prosperity, a moment of recognition, a moment to acknowledge the awesome power of God, a moment of thanksgiving, a moment of giving praises to God, a moment to celebrate God, a moment to build a stronger faith in God, a moment to trust God, etc. Defining moment should not be about us, it should be a time to acknowledge the wonder working power of God over our life. Whatever your defining moment brings, always give thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Please give your life to Jesus today if you have not yet done so, confess your sins to Him and believe in the power of His resurrection. I pray that today will be a defining moment and a new beginning in your life in Jesus name.
