In my previous discussion, I talked about why intelligent, talented, and brilliant people sometimes fail to succeed. One of the reasons is that they don’t know when to move on. Today, I want to share with you how to recognize when it’s time to exit and move on with your life.
People often say, a rolling stone gathers no moss. But why would I want to gather moss? Moss grows on things that remain stagnant, feeding on them parasitically. Instead of gathering moss, I want to shine, to be polished and published.
Recognizing When to Move On
In Deuteronomy 1:6, God told the Israelites, You have dwelt long enough on this mountain. Break camp and move. Mountains represent achievements, success, and comfort, but they are not the final destination. The Israelites had conquered kings, but they had not yet reached the Promised Land. If you have not reached your Promised Land, don’t get too comfortable. Stay mobile and be ready to move.
Similarly, in Joshua 13:1, God reminded Joshua that despite his many victories, there were still more lands to conquer. Joshua had already defeated 32 kings, but his journey wasn’t over.
I used to think that by 60, I would relax and spend my days reading newspapers. But I realized I had not yet reached my full potential. So, I reorganized, reinvigorated, and restructured my life. Today, I am having more fun than ever, and I still have many visions to fulfill. There is enough time to achieve more.
Signs That It’s Time to Move On
When God Speaks to You – If you believe in God, you must be attentive to His guidance through information, instructions, intuition, instincts, inspiration, impartation, and insight.
When You Have Prepared and Planned – Movement requires planning. Before I left Aba, it took me three years of preparation, structuring my business, and ensuring my wife could manage things in my absence.
When You Outgrow Your Current Situation – Just like when a child’s feet outgrow their shoes, you may find that a place no longer fits you. If you start feeling constrained, uncomfortable, or limited, it’s time to move.
When You Experience Pain and Discomfort – Growth often comes with discomfort. When your current environment becomes painful rather than fulfilling, it’s a sign to move on.
When You Lose Interest – If your work or activities no longer excite you, it might be time to seek new challenges.
When the System Becomes Outdated – If your organization, business, or environment refuses to evolve with time and trends, it may no longer serve your purpose.
When You Face Constant Opposition and Compression – If you find yourself consistently pushed to the corner, undervalued, or suffocated in your workplace, business, or church, it’s time to move.
When Your Income No Longer Covers Your Expenses – Financial stagnation is a strong indication that you need to seek better opportunities.
When You Are Surrounded by the Wrong People – If you find yourself among unmotivated, stagnant individuals who do not inspire growth, it’s time to move.
When Those Before You Have Left – If the people you admired and worked with have moved on to greater things, you should evaluate your position and consider doing the same.
Moving on Wisely
Before making a move, plan carefully. Like the Chinese saying, cross the stream one step at a time, feeling the pebbles beneath. Don’t make hasty jumps; ensure each step is well-calculated. If you fail to move at the right time, you might end up like a stranded whale—helpless and vulnerable.
There are many brilliant people today who are stranded, abandoned, and frustrated because they refused to move when they should have. Always move with the Cloud of Glory.
I am not teaching you to be unfaithful or uncommitted; I am teaching you to recognize that you are God’s first interest. Until you do well, you cannot help others do well. You cannot give what you don’t have or teach what you don’t know.
God bless you!
— Dr. Charles Apoki
