“Imagining unborn tomorrows isn’t just plotting for the distant future. It’s plodding one day at a time. It’s putting one foot in front of the other when you don’t feel like doing so. Life goals have to translate into daily habits! You have to wind the clock on your dreams every day.”- Mark Batterson
“Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘ . . . Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.’ “- 1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV)
As Mark Batterson continues Chapter 12 of Win the Day, he admits that one two-word phrase in Scripture gives him goosebumps: one day. Because, like Pentecost for Jesus’ disciples, today could be the day! Therefore, that phrase fills Pastor Batterson’s holy confidence with holy adrenaline.
Above all, Mark underscores, if you do the right thing day in and day out, God’s going to show up and show off. Hence, there’s going to be a tipping point, a turning point. Certainly, the author can’t tell you when or where or how. But, sooner or later, it’ll happen. That’s true, even if it occurs in eternity.
For example, Jonathan’s one act of courage turned the tide against Israel’s arch enemy, the Philistines. And Mordecai overheard an assassination plot while on duty at the king’s gate. That discovery turned the tables and played a large part in saving the Jewish people form genocide.
However, Pastor Batterson takes not, the Bible stories we read in minutes took years. Think Abraham and Joseph. Therefore, Mark counsels, don’t envy other people’s success if you’re loathe to emulate their work ethic.
In conclusion, when it comes to success, we tend to prefer the path of least resistance, Like reading the CliffsNotes instead of the novel. As Pastor Batterson stresses, successful people ate more frogs than the rest of us. And day in and day out, they kept winding the clock.
Today’s question: What Bible verses strengthen you in plodding one day at a time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “No standing still in God’s kingdom”
