Chapter 2 “Goose Bumps” – Coming Out of the Cage of Responsibility

Comments by Ron Wilcox, Board Member

In chapter two of Wild Goose Chase the author, Mark Batterson, writes “Most of us want God to provide miraculous signs before we come out of the cage”. It is always easier to go forward and embark on something new when we know before we start that we are doing God’s will. Conversely, even if we feel that we are being called in a new direction, it is often difficult for me to get started because of my lack of faith. Now before you start to think that I have lost my faith in God, let me assure you that is not the case. My lacking in faith is a lack of faith in me and my ability to understand who God is and what my role is in Him.
During her Wednesday night study on prayer, Barb Skoff asked people to share miracles that they have experienced in their lives. Many people spoke of healings they have had or have witnessed as the result of prayer. Lately God has laid on my heart to write down the miracles and answers to prayer that He has given in my life. The truth is that we need to remind ourselves at times that God does answer prayers. He is still in the business of doing miracles. As a matter of fact, why are we surprised when we get our prayers answered? Sometimes we get answers in three minutes, or three hours or three days. The fact is we will get answers if we have faith.
About 10 years ago I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC to attend a day of prayer with Promise Keepers at the Mall. For 40 days, I fasted and prayed. Let me assure you that fasting is not one of my regular habits. The first 30 days I would spend my noon lunch at the church in prayer. Days 31 through 37 I spent fasting all but one meal a day. Days 38 to 40 were water/juice only days. I have never spent more time in God’s word and in prayer. The theme of the gathering was “Stand in the Gap”. Ezekiel 22:30 states “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one”. Our goal as a group was to be that man. So after a day of praise, worship, prayer and fabulous speakers, the event ended. At that time God spoke to me and said “So, what did you expect, fireworks? You did what you were called to do. Now go back and live your life for me.” I am still not sure if this was what I wanted to hear, but I know that it is what I needed to hear and still need to hear today.
Mark 16:20 states “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs, Amen”. They went out and signs followed. The signs do not come first. It has been said that the primary reason most of us don’t see God moving is simply because we aren’t moving. If you want to see God move, you need to make a move. If you want to know where God wants you to move, spend time reading his word and praying (fasting is also wonderful). Then you can go forth and signs will follow. Some signs will be seen immediately, while others will follow later. But, if you go, signs will follow in faith.

Ron Wilcox