“But sometimes the obstacle is the way! God gets in the way to show us the way.”- Mark Batterson
“I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.”- Numbers 22:32
Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 7 of Whisper as he notes that we often believe when God closes a door, that represents His final answer. In other words, Pastor Batterson states, “we put a period where God puts a comma.” Although we think the answer’s a no, it’s really a not yet (emphasis authors).
However, Mark admits, it’s not always easy discerning between no and not yet. Therefore, the author offers this rule of thumb: “if you hear God saying no, give that dream back to Him with an open hand. That often takes more courage than hanging on. But if God hasn’t released you, then keep keeping on.”
Yet, problems arise when we want what we want now. Like the angel reminded Balaam, we sometimes choose a reckless path. In addition, Pastor Batterson observes that the word reckless (Numbers 22:32) comes from the Hebrew word yarat. It’s the ancient equivalent of reckless driving. As a result, when we opt for a reckless path, Mark exhorts:
“Don’t be surprised if God slows you down. Don’t’ be surprised if God gets in the way. Why? Because He loves you too much to let you go headlong into trouble. If Balaam’s talking donkey teaches us anything, it’s this: God can use anything to accomplish His purposes, and He can do it anywhere, anytime, anyhow.”
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson writes, over time one of two things happens:
- Your theology conforms to your reality. Then your expectations get smaller and smaller until you’re hardly able to believe God for anything.
- Your reality conforms to your theology. As a result, your expectations get bigger and bigger. You believe God for absolutely everything!
Today’s question: How has God made the way via your obstacle? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The language of dreams – the fourth love language”
