“Most of us are far too tentative when it comes to the will of God. We let our fears dictate our decisions. We are so afraid of making the wrong decision that we make no decision. And what we fail to realize is that indecision is a decision. And it is our indecision, not our decisions, that keep us in the cage.”- Mark Batterson
” ‘Let us go across to the outpost of those [Philistines],” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer. ‘Perhaps the LORD will hep us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few.’ “- 1 Samuel 14:6 (NLT)
In Chapter 7 (“Good Old-Fashioned Guts: Coming Out of the Cage of Fear”) of Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson cites a research study conducted at the University of Michigan. There researchers concluded that losses loom larger than gains. In other words, Mark explains, data revealed that people show more aversion to loss of a certain magnitude than attraction to gain of the same magnitude.
Perhaps, the author suggests, that’s why people adopt a better-safe- than-sorry approach to the will of God. Rather than chasing the Wild Goose, people trap themselves in a cage of fear. Therefore, Mark exhorts:
“We (the church) need people who are more afraid of missing opportunities than making mistakes. People who are more afraid of lifelong regrets than temporary failure. People who dare to dream the unthinkable and attempt the impossible.”
For example, Saul’s son Jonathan – along with his armor bearer, courageously climbed the cliffs of Micmash to pick a fight with the Philistines. After he conceded the high ground, Jonathan came up with this sign (1 Samuel 14:10): “If [the Philistines] say, ‘Come to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands.”
Finally, Jonathan believed that the Lord would act on his behalf. As a result, Jonathan refused to wait for something to happen. Instead, he made something happen. Mark comments:
“The will of God is not an insurance plan. The will of God is a daring plan.”
Today’s question: Do you ever find acting far too tentative when it comes to the will of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A little Saul in each of us – let God do the work”
