“Faith is taking the first step before God reveals the second step.”- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 8 of Chase the Lion, he contrasts faith and doubt:
“When we operate in faith, we aren’t risking our reputation. We’re risking God’s reputation! And God can handle Himself just fine, thank you. You may doubt yourself. . . . But if God has called you, you aren’t really doubting yourself. You’re doubting God.”
Therefore, Mark encourages, you need not settle for your Plan A. Sometimes the dream God puts in your heart actually belongs to someone else to carry out. Rather, pursue God’s Plan B.
However, many dream journeys wind up hitting a dead end because we’re waiting for God to make the first move. In contrast, Pastor Batterson notes, “faith is taking the first step before God reveals the second step.” Furthermore, when you take a step you take a stand. In turn, that small step quite possibly transforms into a giant leap!
Hence, Mark offers several definitions of faith he’s coined and collected over the years. Faith is:
- climbing out on a limb, cutting it off, and watching the tree fall
- unlearning all your fears until only the fear of God remains
- the willingness to look foolish
- thanking God before He does something
In conclusion, Mark explains how to experience the supernatural as well as God’s miraculous provision:
“If you want to experience the supernatural, you have to attempt something . . . beyond your natural ability. If you want to experience God’s miraculous provision, you have to attempt something that is beyond your resources. It might not add up, but God can make it multiply . . . . If you build it, He will come.”
Today’s question: What encouragement do you need in taking the first step? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A thin place”
