To Provoke or Provoke ? That is the question

Provoke. I have been pondering this particular word for a couple of days. As I always do when I get caught up on a word, I consult the dictionary. I found the definition on Merriam-webster.com “to provoke” means to call forth (as a feeling or action). We often think about provoking someone as being a negative thing, resulting in less than desirable results…

       Provoking people to anger.

              Provoking people to respond (negatively).

                     Provoking people to behave irrationally.

But the definition given “to call forth (as a feeling or action)” does not in any way imply that provoking someone has to be a negative act. Why cant it be a situation where the end result is positive? Like…

       Provoking people to change.

              Provoking people to love.

                     Provoking people to turn their lives around.

That’s what Jesus did throughout his tenure on earth. He provoked those He came in contact with. The woman at the well… The lame man… The rich… The poor… The disciples… The sinners… Jesus’ focus was on getting ALL people to move from that place of complacency to higher levels in Him. Furthermore, He was no respecter of persons. It didn’t matter who they were, where they came from, or what their past was. He just provoked those He came in contact with. If He can do it, then why can’t we?

I desire to do just that. Actually that's one of the things God has me doing here lately. He is having me to really encourage others (much different than usual), basically provoking them to walk in their calling, to live out the plan that God has for them. He will have me share with them in a conversation, or send a message that He inspired me to write, and of course pray with and for them. I find it funny because I feel I am the least qualified person to “provoke” someone. I am not flashy, not really outgoing or outspoken. I am just me. Honestly, I feel as if I need someone to “provoke” me and not the other way around. But I know God knows what He is doing. So I walk in obedience and I will provoke those He puts in my path to do great things. I will speak into their lives as He leads. I am learning to understand the importance of being in position, aligned with God’s will for my life because there is SO MUCH work to do. The fact is that we all have an assignment. I don't desire to just start. I want to finish mine. Do you know what your assignment is? If so, have you started on yours? What are you waiting on?

_______________________________________________

~Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12