Coming Out Of The Cage Of Fear

This post is from our Edge Ministries Director, Mike Reini

In the final chapter of Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson stresses that our fear of failure must not stagnate the Church’s resolve to boldly pursue everything God has for us. To emphasize this point Batterson tells the story of Jonathan fighting the Philistines (1 Samuel 14). Jonathan was not afraid to fail, and because of his willingness to step out, Israel was rescued. Rev. Batterson further explains that many Christians contradictorily live under the assumption that the Lord may not intervene in their behalf, and that keeps them from doing anything.

“We live out of fear instead of faith. And that lack of faith results in a lack of guts. Jonathan did not wait for something to happen. He made something happen.” WGC Chapter 7, page 147

Personally, I know I have missed opportunities to be used of God. I did not know the outcome, and therefore, I felt I would look foolish. Boil that down and I simply have an issue of pride. Jonathan could have looked mighty ridiculous trying to take on an army with only himself and his armor bearer. The Philistines certainly thought so; however, God intervened, and Jonathan was made a hero. God has already called us to go and forcefully advance his kingdom (Matthew 11:12, 28:19), so perhaps the next time the Holy Spirit prompts us to lay hands on the sick or raise the dead we will not focus on our appearance but realize the authority we have been given and stand firm on the truth of his Word. As it says in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up,” Our pride must not stand in the way of the adventure the Wild Goose is leading us to chase. Dream big dreams and see out extravagant visions. Loose yourself for the sake of Christ because he has promised that is when you will truly find life (Matthew 10:39).

Mike Reini