If you know me, you know that I love to read. There was a book I read recently by Mark Batterson, and what he wrote on the first page really stuck out to me.
“The Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit that has always intrigued me. They called him An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ I love the imagery and implications. The name hints at the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger and an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious at first earshot, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to pursue the Spirit’s leading through life than Wild Goose chase. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something that institutionalized Christianity has missed out on. And I wonder if we have clipped the wings of the Wild Goose and settled for something less – much less – than what God originally intended for us.”
Since the moment I chose to surrender my life to Christ, God has done an incredible work in me. But I couldn’t help but feel a weight of conviction when I read that. My relationship with God, at that time, was hardly what I would call an adventure. I settled for comfort and I fell into the monotony of religious rituals. Go to church. Read your Bible. Attend LifeGroup. Repeat. Please don’t misunderstand where I’m coming from because those are all very good things, but they can become empty when you lose sight of the Reason you do them.
Mark also writes in this book, “Jesus called him the Counselor. He comforts the afflicted. But like a good counselor, He also afflicts the comfortable. And I came to a place in my life where I was uncomfortable with my level of comfort.”
So here I am. Stepping out of my comfort zone, not knowing what my future holds. I’m just doing my best to take it one step at a time and trust in the One who holds it! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid, but I will no longer let that fear hold me back from the adventure God has laid out before me. Instead, I hold on to His promise in Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“When did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? God wants to send us to dangerous places to do difficult things. And if you chase the Wild Goose, He will lead you into the shadowlands, where light and darkness clash.”
Here I come, world!
Adventure awaits.
