“You don’t have to go out and look for resistance. It will find you soon enough! My advice? Don’t look for a work-around, work through it. . . . The obstacle is not the enemy; the obstacle is the way. In fact, harder is better! – Mark Batterson (emphasis author)
“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that way was the shortest route.”- Exodus 13:17 (NLT)
On Day 2 (“Take the Stairs”) of Do It for a Day, Mark Batterson tells about Biosphere 2, an artificial ecosystem in Oracle, AZ, that encompasses 3.14 acres. As a result, Biosphere 2 stands as the largest closed system ever created.
However, despite what seemed like perfect conditions, planted trees only grew to a certain height. Then they fell over. After some head-scratching, scientists figured out that the biosphere lacked a key component for growth. Wind. Because trees grow stronger bark and deeper roots in response to wind resistance. Thus, trees atrophy without adversity. And, Pastor Batterson adds, so do we.
In addition, Mark observes, when God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, He took the scenic route. Rather than the shortcut to the Promised Land. Why? The children of Israel weren’t ready. Mark explains:
“The goal of going after a God-sized dream isn’t simply accomplishing it. It’s who you become in the process — big dreams make big people! Don’t be so anxious to get out of difficult situations. You’ve got to learn the lesson, cultivate the character, and curate the change. . . . It can’t just be rise and shine; it’s got to be rain or shine.”
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson states, leaders love early adopters located on the other side of the bell curve. Because they’re people who will walk off the cliff with you. On the other hand, laggers force leaders to become better vision casters. Instead of hating them, leaders need to listen to them and learn from them.
Today’s question: What Bible verses most help you to work through it (resistance)? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “An elevator or the stairs?”
