Re-Think by Paul Bartlett (Exclusive Extract)

In this extract from PAUL BARTLETT’S new book Re-Think It he asks if the challenges of Covid-19 offer an opportunity to grow our capacity by embracing bewilderment.

Giving God permission to transform us into the people we need to become, requires us to lay some old ways of thinking down.

I have personally been through seasons in which God had to teach me to let go of reason because I needed to grow in my capacity. Have you ever felt like you’ve run out of capacity and you don’t have what it takes to do what God has called you to do? Whether you’re leading a church, overseeing a ministry or at home with the kids – whatever it is that currently fills your days – you will regularly feel like your capacity has run out.

Here’s what happens: The moment my capacity gets to the end of itself, I start wanting to quit the wrong things – the God-given things. In my own logic, according to my own reasoning, I think I should pull back on everything because I’ve run out of capacity. However, I’ve found in those moments that I should let go and let God!

It seems reasonable and logical to reduce our lives when under pressure. But giving God permission to transform us into the people we need to become – people of higher capacity, greater leadership and increased wisdom – requires us to lay some old ways of thinking down.

BEWILDERMENT IS GOD’S GIFT TO US

Perhaps you are reading this and find yourself in a situation where, like the apostle Paul, you have been brought to your knees. Bewildered, dazed and confused.

You’re trying to do what you’ve always done, but it’s no longer working. Your current reasoning is blocking your way to the future. You feel like you’ve lost control and are vulnerable. The year 2020, 2021 and the ongoing ramifications of the global COVID-19 pandemic have definitely proven that we are not in control at all.

When I find myself in these situations, I try to search the Bible for clarity. But here’s what I’ve come to realise throughout my unlearning journey: What if clarity is not what God’s trying to bring? What if He’s trying to bring bewilderment? What if the way forward is confusion and bewilderment because you’ve trusted yourself for far too long?

Wanting clarity is what you always desire and getting answers is what you’ve always done. But God took away Paul’s clarity; he was blinded, without sight.

I wonder if God was saying: “Saul, right now in order for you to go from Saul to Paul, in order for you not to go back, but to live your future, what you need to do is embrace bewilderment. It’s your best friend right now. And when you can’t see with your own natural eyes, you’ll start to see me and realise you don’t need your eyes for that.”

And so, Paul, the high-level teacher of Jewish law, becomes the student of unlearning. Little did he know that as a result, he would become the biggest advocate for the people of the Way. That everything would change in and around his life. I believe that you can find God in the midst of your bewilderment. I believe that you can find God in the midst of your confusion.

As a pastor, I watch so many Christians diving into the “perfect will” – scrambling for what it is, trying to find it – not knowing that they’ve missed the “Let God” step. Bewilderment is God’s gift to you. It seems blurry, it seems messy, it seems chaotic, but be encouraged: He is in the middle of it all, and He is more than capable of moving you onto the next thing. After all, He has our lives and future in His hands.

For the future church to succeed like Paul we must have the courage to re-think long held traditions, methods and ways of thinking and so give the next generation permission to lead a new breed of church with discipleship at his core.

Re-Think It by Paul Bartlett is now available. Purchase at re-thinkit.com.au

Paul Bartlett is the ACC NSW State President and senior pastor of Lighthouse.