“But the upside is that [disorienting times cause] us to seek God with a raw intensity that cannot be manufactured any other way. Disorientation has a way of driving us to our knees. And that is one reason why the bad things that happen to us can actually turn into the best things that happen to us.”- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson continues Chapter 6 of Wild Goose Chase, he finds in-between times quite disorienting. Times when you find yourself between jobs or between a rock and a hard place. In addition, you may feel that your life’s turning into a tragedy. For example, your boss firs you. Or someone betrays you in a way that seems beyond your ability to heal.
However, Pastor Batterson counsels, you still get a chance to choose your attitude. Certainly, you’re quite displeased with the current in-between time in your life. But, Mark exhorts, the final chapter of your life awaits. It has yet to be written. Therefore, the author advises:
“If you feel like you’re stuck in a tragedy, here’s my advice: give Jesus complete editorial control over your life. You have to quit trying to write your own story. And you need to accept Jesus not only as Lord and Savior but also as Author. If you allow Him to begin writing His-story through your life, it’ll give a tragedy a fairy-tale ending. I’m not promising a life without heartache or pain or loss, but I am promising a different ending.”
Furthermore, Mark underscores, spending eternity with Jesus = a happily-ever-after ending. However, this ending carries one contingency. Just as the thief on the cross turned to Jesus, we must also turn to Jesus. Because when you fail to turn to Jesus, the tragedy remains a tragedy. But if you turn to Jesus, the tragedy ends – and the fairy tale begins.
Finally, Pastor Batterson reminds us:
“Bad things happen to good people. You will experience some shipwrecks and snakebites along the way. But when you give Jesus complete editorial control over you life, He begins writing His-story through your life.”
Today’s question: What in-between times propel you toward seeking God with raw intensity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A healthy relationship with our heavenly Father”
