“Nothing slows us down like trying to get ahead of God.”- Mark Batterson
In Chapter 12 (“The Scenic Route”) of If, Mark Batterson questions whether we’re the most impatient people in the history of mankind. He adds that “we wear busyness like a badge, like an honor roll bumper sticker.”
If you are dependent on whatever is next to make you happy, Pastor Batterson asserts, you are suffering from destination disease. You are trying to get ahead of God. But, by God’s grace, the journey needs to be enjoyed too. The journey is the destination.
Mark asks when the last time was that you exited the freeway and took the scenic route. While the freeway shortcut is the path of least resistance and well-traveled, the scenic route is less traveled, takes longer, and is “an uphill climb both ways.” However, the scenic route creates a spectacular view from the top!
Goals must be accomplished step-by-step. You can’t rush and get ahead of yourself- or get ahead of God. Although you need to establish God-sized goals (what ifs), it is important to remember that the goal you set really isn’t the goal. Mark states the goal you set is the habit that helps you get there.
Your responsibility is not to figure out where to go or what to do- that is God’s job. Your only job is to keep in lockstep with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Batterson has a little maxim for anyone who seems anxious about missing the will of God:
“God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go.”
God strategically will position you in the right place at the right time- what Mark terms ‘supernatural synchronicities.”
Today’s question: What are some ways you have tried to get ahead of God following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “How we reckon”
