Your One Thing

Years ago, the band I was in led worship on many occasions prior to Dave Busby speaking. Dave eventually died from cystic fibrosis, after ministering valiantly to thousands for many years while battling the disease.

When Dave spoke to a men’s group, he would always say, “If at the end of this conference, you have 20 things on a list that you need to change, then Satan gave you the list, because you’ll go home, get overwhelmed, and do nothing. But God is going to tell you your one thing that He wants you to work on. Watch for your one thing during our time together.”

I saw the deep truth of that statement and I now carry this principle and advice on when I speak to men. Just this past weekend speaking at an event, during the breaks, as well as after my conference was over, I had men come up and say, “Hey, I got my one thing and I’d like to share it with you.” Now, it’s interesting, because I just tell guys the concept and to watch for theirs. I don’t say “and when you get it, come up and tell me.” But anytime I speak, I always have several guys come to me and share what the Lord revealed to them. There’s always a degree of surprise, conviction, and determination visible in and on them as they share. I know, for those men, the confession creates accountability and sets a goal of moving forward with what God has shown them.

There’s an amazing moment when a man is listening for God to speak, Scripture and an issue are introduced, the Holy Spirit makes the connection, and he responds in obedience.

So, two questions today . . .

1—When was the last time you put yourself in the position to allow God to tell you your “one thing” for this season in life?

2—Are you too distracted and overwhelmed by the “20 things” that Satan keeps hammering you with?

Once God sees us making progress on our “one thing,” He will gracefully show us the next. That’s because He’s a loving Father Who will not exasperate His children or give them more than they can handle. A counselor friend of mine always says, “You peel an onion one layer at a time, so we should allow God to do with our issues in life.”

Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead . . . —Philippians 3:13 NCV