He Started Out

I recently watched a business segment in which Richard Branson sat on a panel with industry experts to talk about the future of business. As everyone around him was filling the air with business buzzwords and talking about complex ideas for mapping out our future, Branson was saying things like: “Screw it, just get on and do it.” …. which was closely followed by: “Why can’t we mine asteroids?” As I watched the panel of experts, I realized that the person who sounded the most simplistic was also the only one who was a billionaire.

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian^[ eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”) — Acts 8:26-27 

In Acts 8, the church was being persecuted and God strategically began moving people into missional places. Philip went to Samaria and began sharing his spiritual journey with others.  But what I want to zero in on today is the simple phrase in verse 27 “So he started out”. Philip’s act of obedience to head south resulted in a divine encounter with an important official from another country. This official was spiritually hungry, surrendered his life to Christ, and began sharing his faith with his native people of Ethiopia. This 2,000+ year Christian heritage lives today in this African country.

It’s easy to talk about action but often difficult to act because we don’t feel ready. Whether you like Richard Branson or not, he has started so many businesses, ventures, charities, and expeditions that it’s simply not possible for him to have felt prepared and ready to start all of them. In fact, it’s unlikely that he was qualified or prepared to start any of them.

When everyone else balks or comes up with a good reason for why the time isn’t right, Branson gets started. He figures out how to stop procrastinating and take the first step — even if it seems outlandish. How about you?

• write the book
• volunteer your time
• take the trip
• reconcile the relationship

If you want to summarize the habits of successful people into one phrase, it’s this: successful people start before they feel ready.

It’s the same with our faith. Don’t just talk about it, take the step of obedience, and act on your faith. God has lives and worlds for you to change, ready or not.

Reflection |

What are you over-analyzing instead of getting started?