“When it comes to chasing lions, inertia is enemy number one.”- Mark Batterson
In Chapter 6 (“The Decisive Moment”) of Chase the Lion, Pastor Mark Batterson begins with a discussion of contextual intelligence. Mark defines contextual intelligence as “the ability to spot opportunity where others don’t.” Synonyms include ‘sixth sense’ and ‘gut instincts’.
Most noteworthy, whatever term you choose, lion chasers see and then seize the decisive moment. However, Mark cautions, you must choose your battle wisely. In addition, like Eleazar, you need to identify the battlefield you’re willing to die on. Then, fight the good fight until, as Mark puts it, “your hand freezes to the sword.”
Therefore, we don’t let the future play us. With God’s help and blessing, we make the future happen. This type of positive stress, eustress, in turn forces us to seek God’s fresh anointing every day. Without seeking this anointing, we coast. With it, we gain momentum.
Furthermore, Mark notes we need a laser-like focus when chasing our dream. One misstep can end our dream journey. However, Mark exhorts, live in a spirit of focus, not a spirit of fear!
Over time, the author observes, we cultivate a sixth sense or gut instinct. Although times occur when gut instincts must be ignored, more often than not you need to obey that sixth sense. And that takes old-fashioned guts!
As a result, we are to be wary of lion chasing’s enemy number one- inertia. Mark defines inertia as “the resistance of a physical object to a change in its state of motion.” That’s especially true of human beings.
So, you can’t do the same old thing if you want God to do something new.
Today’s question: Has inertia been enemy number one during your desert, land between time? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “God is in control”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Daily disciplines”
