Table Talk: Tipping Point

The Tipping Point

The tipping point is a moment where everything changes. Things may feel like it’s all failing and there is that tipping point where there is sudden success.

Or maybe it’s the opposite, everything is going good, and maybe, what feels like all of a sudden comes a huge failure, a huge let down.

Whichever way it may be, when we look back, we usually see that this outcome wasn’t so sudden, there were little things that led up to this tipping point.

How many of you remember Blockbuster. It was amazing. We had one 5 minutes away from my house growing up. You’d go there rent a movie or a video game from their collection. Enjoy it for a few days and than bring it back to try to find another one.

Blockbuster was amazing. I’d watch new movies, old movies, foreign movies, and all kinds of video games. I remember one summer my Aunt got me the summer unlimited pass, where I could check out as many movies as I wanted to all summer long it was amazing.

Now we have Netflix, Blockbuster is extinct and Netflix is the king of movie and shows. But Netflix’s success wasn’t overnight. They had growing pains and a learning curve.

When Netflix first came out in 1997, their idea was different, instead of people coming into a store to rent videos they built a website and you rented from an online store, and than they would deliver them to your house through mail.

Oh how convenient right. They wanted to make it easier for customers and they provided this service for 10 years dealing with growing pains. There were so many issues that came up they had to continually work on and fix.

But there was a tipping point for the company. A moment that changed everything. In their understanding of the market, and where technology was going, they decided they were going to transition from DVD by mail rental service to becoming a streaming service.

They wanted to make it even easier for their customers to be entertained. At first they had a limited selection. Because this was new people weren’t sure about this new way of entertainment. I

Netflix didn’t win because of one big dramatic move. They weren’t an overnight success. They didn’t go viral. They were consistent. Steady. Forward-thinking. They mailed DVDs. They moved to streaming. Then they created original content. Over time, they made small, bold, consistent changes. And those small decisions compounded into massive impact. Now Blockbuster? They were consistent too — but in the wrong direction. They consistently ignored innovation. Consistently clung to the past. Consistently shrugged off change. What worked in one season became their identity in all seasons. And that kind of consistency killed them. Here’s the truth: consistency doesn’t just mean doing the same thing over and over. It means doing the right things over and over. Netflix stayed consistently innovative. Blockbuster stayed consistently stuck. Let me say it this way: consistent progress leads to purpose. Consistent comfort leads to extinction. And the same is true for you. You are becoming who you will be based on what you are doing consistently. The question isn’t, are you consistent? The question is, are you consistent in the right direction? Because you can be consistently distracted. Consistently lazy. Consistently selfish. But when you’re consistently prayerful, consistently disciplined, consistently obedient to what God’s calling you toward — that’s when you reach the tipping point. You don’t get there with one big decision. You get there with a thousand small ones. So here’s the question : Are you consistently comfortable or are you consistently challenging yourself. Small, steady, Spirit-led steps. That’s how you change your life.

There is a tipping point a moment where everything changes. But to reach that point it requires consistency.

Think of Joseph’s life

He was first betrayed by his brothers. And sold into slavery.

He ends up in the House of Potiphar. Things begin to look up, where he’s given a lot of responsibility to take care his house. And when things seem to be looking up for Joseph, he gets tested again.

Potiphar’s wife wants to sleep with Joseph, and Joseph keeps avoiding her advances until he can’t and lands him in prison.

While he was in prison he speaks the cup-bearer and the baker. Both interpreting their dreams. And his interpreatations proved true the cup-bearer was restored to his position and the baker impaled. But for two years nothing happened. Joseph was stuck there in prison.

In Genesis 40 we read Pharaoh has a dream and the cup bearer in his services remembers Joseph and says hey I know a guy that may be able to help.

We see in the life of Joseph that Tipping Point In Genesis 41 where the Pharaoh makes him second in command over all of Egypt. The Bible tells us Joseph was 30 years old when he came into the service of the Pharaoh.

He was sold into slavery at 17 and becomes second in command of the most powerful nation at 30 years old. I’m sure that’s not how Joseph envisioned his life playing out.

When God initially gave him that dream of his brothers and parents bowing down to him. He didn’t imagine it being too far out into the future. But 13 years later he makes it into that postion.

Can you imagine waiting 13 years for anything. It’s long and it’s painful. With all the scars and all the things done to him, Joseph could have been bitter. He could have been angry, he could have quit.

But he didn’t, he continued to have faith, he continued to trust, He was consistent.

The definition of Consistency is the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way that produce the same results over time.

We see the consistency in the character of Joseph. Even when life seems to throw him in all different directions. His eyes consistently stay focused on God.

I found this visual to share with you guys tonight. There are moments of intensity and moments of consistency and how they can impact change in our lives over time.

Moments of intensity are powerful. They’re the mountaintop experiences. The spiritual high after a powerful message. The moment you fall to your knees and say, 'God, I give you everything.' Those moments can be life-changing. They light the fire. They spark passion. You remember them. And you should — because they matter. But hear this: while intensity may start the journey, it's consistency that sustains it. Moments of consistency aren’t often quiet. Private. Unseen. It’s when you wake up early to pray, even when you feel nothing. It’s opening your Bible day after day. It’s forgiving even when you're still hurting. It’s choosing integrity when cutting corners would be easier. It’s doing what’s right, time after time, when no one’s watching and no one’s clapping.

There’s a big difference between intensity and consistency — and understanding it can change your life.

Intensity inspires. But consistency transforms. Intensity is easy to spot. It’s passionate. It’s emotional. It’s the fire that burns hot — a bold declaration like, 'I'm going to turn my life around today!' And intensity isn’t bad. In fact, it often gets us started. It’s the spark. But listen — the spark doesn’t keep the fire burning. Consistency is what sustains. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. It’s the consistent yes to God when no one’s watching. It’s choosing character over comfort. It’s doing the right thing over and over… and over again. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Let me say it this way: intensity makes a promise, but consistency keeps it. Anyone can have intense faith in a moment. Anyone can commit big when emotions are high. But it’s not what you do occasionally that makes the difference — it’s what you do consistently that shapes your character, transforms your mind, and leads to real, lasting growth. In your marriage, in your leadership, in your spiritual life — don’t just be intense. Be consistent. Because small disciplines, done consistently, lead to big results eternally.

Consistency is not perfection — it's the disciplined pursuit of doing the right things, the right way, over time. It's showing up when no one sees, trusting God when it doesn’t make sense, and choosing character over comfort. It's doing what God called you to do today, even when you don’t feel like it. Because what you do consistently shapes who you become permanently.

In the life of Joseph, we see a man who remained consistent, not because his circumstances were easy, but because his character was grounded in God. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, wrongly accused, and forgotten in prison. He had every reason to abandon faith and give up on purpose. But what did he do? He kept showing up. He kept honoring God. He chose integrity when no one was watching. That’s consistency. When he was placed in Potiphar's house, Joseph worked hard and earned trust. When he was unjustly thrown into prison, he didn’t slack off — he served the jailer with excellence. And when the moment finally came to stand before Pharaoh, he was ready, because his consistency had built strength in his character. Let me tell you: partial obedience and occasional faithfulness don’t build a life of purpose. What does? Steady, daily dependence on God. Choosing faith when it’s hard. Showing up with excellence when no one praises you. Forgiving when it hurts. That's consistency. Joseph didn’t just end up in the palace because of a lucky break. Purpose was forged in the unseen places — the pit, the prison, the years of silence. And that's exactly where God builds something lasting in us. If God has you in a place where it feels like nothing is changing, don’t underestimate what He’s doing in you. Stay faithful. Keep showing up. Because in God’s hands, consistency today leads to influence tomorrow.

And I love this passage from the apostle James. It’s something I need to remind myself of daily. Let’s read it together.

New International Version (2011) Chapter 1

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

If there’s ever a passage that speaks directly to the power of consistency over intensity, it’s right here.

Let’s break down what James is saying in James 1:2-12 — This passage is a mindset shift, A call to live differently when life gets difficult. 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.' Wait… joy? In trials? That doesn’t sound natural. And it’s not. James isn’t asking us to fake a smile or pretend everything’s okay. He’s challenging us to flip the script. To reframe our pain through the promises of God. He’s saying: Your trial may feel like it’s breaking you, but it’s actually God building something in you that couldn’t be built any other way. 'Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.' Testing isn’t punishment. It’s preparation. God isn’t trying to crush you — He’s growing you. And honestly, most of us want the product of perseverance… we just don’t want the process. But James makes it clear: trials build muscle. Trials reveal real faith. If you’re going to be strong in the calling, you’ve got to develop strength in your character. God cares about who you’re becoming more than where you’re going. 'Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.' Let it finish. Don’t tap out partway through. Don’t run from what God’s using to mold you. The fire may be hot, but that’s where God refines silver. That’s where faith becomes real. Solid. Unshakable. And maybe you’re thinking, 'Dj, I want to press in, I want to endure — but I don’t know what to do.' I get it. James did too. 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…' Ask Him. Run to Him. He won’t shame you. He won’t push you away. He gives generously — and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. But when you ask, you ask with faith. Not a half-in, half-out kind of belief. God’s not looking for perfection, but He is looking for surrendered trust. Then James goes hard on perspective again. He says the poor should boast in their exaltation and the rich in their humility. Why? Because everything in this world fades — but only what’s done in consistency and in Christ will last. And it all builds to one promise: 'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.' Did you catch that? Blessed is the one who stands the test. Not the one who talked loud at the start. Not the one who got excited during the sermon. The one who endured. Who didn’t quit when it got hard. Who kept trusting when they couldn’t see the outcome. That crown of life? It’s not for people who lived easy lives — it’s for people who stayed faithful in tough seasons.

The Greek word for 'crown' here refers to a victor's crown, like the one given to athletes who completed and won a race. It’s not about royalty or a physical crown, but rather a symbol of honor, victory, and eternal life. The crown of life is not earned by works, but it is given to those who demonstrate true love and devotion to God through their consistent faith and perseverance.

It represents the fullness of eternal life—life in relationship with God, both now and forever. It's the reward for staying faithful when it would’ve been easier to quit. This is a call to consistent obedience. Day after day. Trial after trial. Faith that doesn’t just flash in moments of intensity but shines through a lifetime of perseverance. So what do you do when you’re tired? When you’re tested? When you feel like giving up? You remember: God is working. The trial you’re in didn’t come to destroy you — it came to develop you. Every prayer, every tear, every step of obedience is producing something in you… something eternal. You are not lacking. You’re being shaped. And when you stay faithful, God doesn’t just bring you through the trial — He rewards you on the other side. So what do you do? Don’t just live for moments of intensity. Build habits of consistency. Because when you persevere — when you hold fast through the trial — God doesn’t just give you strength for today. He prepares you for the crown of life He has promised. That’s the power of consistent, courageous faith. That’s where transformation happens.

So where do we start? Maybe you are saying Dj I want to be consistent how do I do it?

Turn with me to Luke chapter 16 verse 10, we find Jesus saying this,

New International Version (2011) Chapter 16

10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

One simple verse that carries a powerful truth: 'Whoever is faithful with little will also be faithful with much.' That’s not just a verse. That’s a principle. That’s a mindset. That’s a way of living. So many people want the platform, the promotion, the big moment. They want the microphone, the influence, the title, the impact. But Jesus isn’t looking for people who will show up only when it’s big. He’s looking for people who are consistent when it’s small. Faithfulness in the little things is where consistency is forged. It’s not sexy. It’s not loud. It doesn’t always get likes or applause. But it’s the place where your character is shaped and your calling is prepared. Let’s call it what it is: intensity wants dramatic moments. But consistency is devoted in the mundane. You don’t need to wait until you’re leading a team to be a leader — lead where you are. You don’t need a stage to share the Gospel — love the neighbor next door. You don’t need a full room to worship — give God your heart in an empty one. Here’s the truth: if you’re not faithful with what feels small, why would God trust you with something greater? Your consistency today, your perseverance in obscurity, your integrity when no one’s watching — that isn’t wasted. That’s where trust is built. That’s where preparation happens. That’s where God works. So show up. Stay faithful. Keep doing the right thing, even when it feels like nothing’s changing. Because when you’re faithful with the little, God says He can trust you with much. The breakthrough you want might just be on the other side of daily obedience. Don’t wait for your moment. Be faithful with what’s in front of you — and watch what God will do through your consistency.

 Let’s land this thought by thinking about the life of Joseph. Joseph didn’t wake up one day as the second-in-command of Egypt. He didn’t start in the palace. He started in a pit, as a slave, then ended up in prison — falsely accused, overlooked, and forgotten. And yet, through it all, he was faithful with the little. When he was in Potiphar’s house, he served with excellence. When he was in prison, he led with integrity. And when the opportunity came to stand before Pharaoh, he was ready — not because of a moment of intensity, but because of years of consistent, unseen faithfulness. Joseph didn’t wait for the big moment to be faithful. He built a life of consistent obedience in every small moment. And because he was faithful in the little, God trusted him with much. That’s the heart of Luke 16:10. That’s the power of consistency. It’s the quiet, daily acts of obedience that prepare you for the influence God wants to give you. So if you feel like Joseph — in a pit, in a prison, in a place you didn’t choose — remember this: your consistency is not wasted. God sees it. God honors it. And just like Joseph, if you’re faithful with the little today, God can and will trust you with something greater tomorrow. Stay faithful. Stay consistent. Your palace moment may be closer than you think.

Let’s put this into action. Because truth without application doesn’t lead to transformation. Here’s how you take the story of Joseph and the principle from Luke 16:10 and walk it out in your everyday life. 1. Be faithful right where you are. Joseph didn’t wait for the palace to be faithful. He showed up with excellence in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, and in prison. Wherever you are — at work, at home, in school, behind the scenes — serve like you’re serving Jesus. Because you are. If you’re not faithful now, you won’t suddenly become faithful later when it feels more important. 2. Choose character over comfort. It’s easy to obey when it’s convenient. It’s simple to love people when they love you back. But real consistency looks like doing the right thing when it costs you. Joseph chose integrity in the face of temptation. He stayed honest when he could have cut corners. That’s what separates occasional obedience from consistent faithfulness. 3. Embrace small, daily disciplines. Your life is not the result of one big decision. It’s the result of thousands of small, consistent choices. Read God’s Word. Pray daily. Love your family well. Show up on time. Serve others. Over time, those small disciplines lead to big results. Don’t underestimate what God can do through what feels mundane. 4. Trust the process, not just the promise. God gave Joseph a dream, but it took years of difficulty before he saw the fulfillment. Some of you are clinging to a promise — and wondering if God forgot. He didn’t. He’s preparing you. Don’t try to shortcut the process. What feels like delay is divine development. God doesn’t waste pain — He uses it to prepare His people. 5. Let your private faithfulness lead to public influence. Before Joseph ever led a nation, he led in secret. He led in obscurity. He was consistent when no one was watching, and God rewarded that kind of faith. If you want big influence, develop deep integrity. Be the same person on the inside that you are on the outside. So what do you do today? Show up. Serve well. Stay consistent. Your job isn’t to open big doors — your job is to be faithful in the hallway. Because when you’re faithful with the little, and consistent in the unnoticed, God trusts you with more than you ever imagined. Just like Joseph, your consistency today is preparing you for your purpose tomorrow.

And this… this is where everything shifts. All that daily obedience? All those moments of faithfulness when no one clapped? All the midnight prayers, the early morning sacrifices, the honest decisions when cutting corners would’ve been easier? That’s what leads to the tipping point. Consistency may not feel powerful in the moment, but it’s the foundation God builds greatness on. Look at Joseph. One moment, he’s in prison like he had been for years — same routine, same dirt walls, same silence. But then… God moves. Pharaoh calls his name. And the years he spent being consistent in private led to a moment of favor in public. One tipping point. But it wasn’t random. It was positioned by persistent, faithful, daily obedience. Listen to me — your tipping point is coming. But it won’t be because of one emotional prayer or one intense worship experience. It will be because you chose to walk with God when no one else saw. Because you loved when it didn’t feel good. Because you served when it didn’t feel significant. Because you refused to quit when it would’ve been easier to give up. So don’t chase the feeling. Don’t wait for the flash. Chase faithfulness. Show up again. Stay in God’s Word. Lead your family. Love your neighbor. Be faithful in the little… because that’s what positions you for the much. The tipping point isn’t the result of one big decision. It’s the reward for thousands of small, consistent ones. And when it comes, you’ll realize God didn’t just show up in the moment — He shaped you through every moment leading up to it. Stay consistent. The tipping point is coming.