Rhema Ehiemere - I've Got a Head Start

Jesus gave us a head start through His finished work on the cross, but the enemy still wants to get into our head. He wants us to live defeated and disappointed lives like we don’t have the advantage. This is why it is important to change our lens to see ourselves the way God sees us. In 1 Samuel 17, David didn’t just kill Goliath, he cut off Goliath’s head with the sword. The enemy is after our head, because it is the seat of our thoughts and perspective, but God has given us the power, not just to kill the giants of our life but to cut off their heads. Our battles are already won, and victory is ours through God! The adversary may try to sow seeds of doubt but stand firm in your faith and continue to speak victory until you see it

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On your way, say to your neighbor, «I’ve got a head start.» Now look for another neighbor and tell them, «I’ve got a head start, I’ve got a head start, I’ve got a head start.» For the sake of clarity and definition, I want to define what a head start is. A head start is usually an advantage; it’s a preferred position given to an individual at the beginning of a race, event, or competition—whatever it is—to ensure that they are successful. This is very important because when you begin to think back and look at the origin of the word «head start,» it dates way back to the 19th century with the widespread popularity of horse racing. What would happen is that they would align all the horses and ensure that the heads of the horses were all in one straight line, to make sure the race was fair. But they noticed something: some horses had their heads slightly in front, and those horses that had their heads slightly in front almost always won the race. So, to make it a fair game and level the playing field, they would take the slower horses and give them a head start. Instead of having all the horses in one line, the slower horses would be slightly ahead of the faster horses to ensure a fair race. This is where we get the concept of a head start.

Why is this important? This is important because God uses the same principle. Could it be possible that the very thing that is a disadvantage is the same thing that gives you an advantage? Could it be possible that the reason you are placed in front is that others think you are slow? They think the horses are slow, so they give them a head start. Thus, even before you start, you are already ahead. God uses the same principle because what you call a limitation in your life, God calls a qualification. God uses the same principle because what you call a weakness in your life is the canvas on which God is going to paint the picture of greatness in your life. I’ve come to realize that what we call rejection is often the very thing God is going to use to direct our lives. It seems like God is in the business of giving us a head start. God looks for those who are disadvantaged and gives them an advantage.

So now you look at yourself and all the betrayals and disappointments, and it’s funny—you look at yourself and wonder, «How did I get to this place?» You got here by the grace and mercy of God because God gave you what is called a head start. This is important, church, because some of you right now are hiding, covering, or remaining silent because of your mistakes and missteps. Some of you are hiding because of your weaknesses and excesses without realizing that the Bible says God is like a master chef, and He knows how to make all things work together for your good. God is saying, «I can use substandard ingredients and make a delicacy for you,» and yet here you are, worried, ashamed, and embarrassed about what you did. God is saying the very thing that repels people, the very thing in you that people look at and label you and limit you, is the same thing that I’m going to use to bless you.

Look at someone and say, «I’m preaching good.» Now look at someone else and say, «He’s preaching good! I need some encouragement this morning.» When I look at this text and the whole concept of having a head start, it dawned on me that sometimes you may have a head start and not even know. You may have a head start and not even realize it until you reach the finish line. So here is the finish line—let’s put it here. There’s the finish line, and some of you right now are on your marks, get set! But what you don’t know is that while that’s the finish line, there is an imaginary line here, and you are already ahead before you start. Some of you won’t know you are ahead until you reach the finish line. When you get there, all of a sudden, you look back and see those you thought were more educated and more connected, and that’s when you begin to question, «What if I told you that right now I can see that imaginary line?» You don’t have to wait until you get the approval letter. You don’t have to wait until the doctor gives you the all-clear, and you don’t have to wait until your credit score is updated—you can go ahead!