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Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Wild Goose Chase

 

by Cathy Baker

{ Day 13 }

When I consider those books that have left an indelible mark on my life (other than the Bible, of course) Wild Goose Chase…Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God by Mark Batterson rarely slips past without notice.

Here’s a taste of why that’s true:


“Jesus likened the working of the Holy Spirit to the wind. Sometimes the Spirit is a light wind from the south. Other times He is a gale-force wind that batters our ship. Sometimes the Spirit is a headwind that seems to frustrate our plans. And other times He is the wind at our back. Chasing the Wild Goose [you’ll have to read the book to understand this reference!] is recognizing which way the wind of the Spirit is blowing and responding to it. It requires a moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Wild Goose. And you have to trust His promptings more than you trust your own plans. Instead of getting frustrated by fighting the wind, you appreciate the fact that something uncontrollable and unpredictable will get you where God wants you to go.” -Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase

What initially drew me to the book was Mark’s first book, In A Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. It’s one of my top three favorite reads ever—and that’s saying something. Secondly, I like the word “adventure” in the tag line. I’m not an adventurous person, never have been. For years I felt less-than because of it. And honestly, I still do in some respects. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a learner, an explorer, and an observer of wee details…but perhaps not as most expect. (Until I hit that mark, I’ll continue living vicariously via the Susan Stilwell’s of the world. Love you, friend!)

My adventurous Hokie friend, Susan Stilwell

If I’m not careful, however, my natural bend towards predictability can weigh down my steps, causing me to miss the adventure that comes in pursuing God.

“I want to see God do things in me and through me that I am absolutely incapable of so I can’t possibly take credit for them.” – Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase

Staying in Step with the Holy Spirit: Unpredictability in the hands of the Holy Spirit is anything but.

Heavenly Father, regardless of how we were wired by Your hands, help us to never settle for a predictable walk with You. Keep us in step with Your Spirit as we wholeheartedly pursue You.

#Write31Days past posts:

{ Day 1 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Our Senses
{ Day 2 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Less Clutter
{ Day 3 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Healthy Relationships 
{ Day 4 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation
{ Sunday }
{ Day 6 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Specific Prayer 
{ Day 7 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
{ Day 8 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Soul Search (with guest Ginger Harrington)
{ Day 9 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Vulnerability 
{ Day 10 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation, Wk. 2
{ Day 11 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Moonlit Sunroof
{ Sunday }

Staying in Step With The Spirit Via Healthy Relationships

by Cathy Baker

{ Day 3 }

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

My friend, Becky, and I co-lead a Community Bible Class. Our current study by Angela Thomas’ Do You Think I’m Beautiful? is proving to be quite the eye-opener.

In it, Angela shares how our wholeness is found only in God—not spouses, parents, children, friends or stuff.

For today, let’s talk friendships.

Skipper sinking in quicksand. Love Gilligan’s Island!

Just this week, I emailed Teresa, my best friend of 20+ years, sharing a current struggle. In that moment, I felt surrounded by circumstances heavier than quicksand (Does anyone else have Gilligan’s Island flashbacks when you hear that word?) She responded with much wisdom, discernment, and a fresh perspective to boot. Teresa, along with my other friends, are a treasure to me. They are, as Angela describes, vessels of God’s love. They are not, however, placed in our lives to make us whole. 


Here are three (of many) ways we could unknowingly be looking to our friends for wholeness rather than God:  
1. Without hesitation, we
pick up the phone (or tap on the laptop) to ask for a friend’s advice
instead of first whispering a prayer to the Lord for His wisdom. (James 1:5)
2. We allow friend’s advice to trump the Word of God. Yet another reason to surround ourselves with godly friends. (Proverbs 12:26)
3. We place unrealistic expectations on our friendships. Our friends need to be released from the pressure of making us whole. It’s impossible. They can’t do it, nor should they. 
“A girlfriend can be fun, but she cannot be your savior. We need God.” -Angela Thomas
Staying In Step With The Spirit: When we look solely to God to fill those empty spaces in our lives, we draw closer to Him, relying on the unseen Face rather than familiar ones. 
Father, thank You for creating places in our lives that only You can fill. Forgive us where we’ve sought out anyone or anything to take Your place. Fill us today with your power, grace, and mercy — not only for our benefit but for others as well. May You receive all the glory! 

Is there a particular friend you’re thankful for today? The comment box is the perfect place to give a “shout out!” Or, if you have something to add to the list above, I invite you to share. 



#Write31Days:

{ Day 2 } Staying in Step With the Spirit Via Less Clutter

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