The Zigzag Progress of the Gospel

In our human way of thinking, we often think the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But one of my seminary professors once wisely said, “Sometimes, the shortest distance between two points is a zigzag line.” I think he was on to something there.

When we feel that God is at work in our lives and we think we know who He wants us to be or what ministry He’s calling us to, we often unconsciously assume the journey from point A to point B is going to be a straight line. And when it’s not, we put our hands on our hips and say, “Well, what did I do wrong?” Or we question God: “Where are You? Did I not hear You correctly?” 

God’s Way of Working

Thousands of years ago, God told Moses to deliver His people. But there were 40 years between point A and point B. Later, God told Joseph about His plan to use him. Thirteen years went by. Zig, zag, zig, zag.

God worked with these two great leaders the same way He usually works with us. As He arranges things in other people’s lives, He’s also doing something in us, because what He’s calling us to do will require a deeper level of faith and character than we currently have.

God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is often achieved by circumstances that seem to make no sense. Those zigs and zags are part of God’s loving agenda. So we stay ready to serve the Lord and others and lead in God’s agenda.

Confined to a Roman jail, the apostle Paul faced life-or-death circumstances. But he wrote that even though his situation looked bad, the Spirit of God was using it to remove barriers and do things for the greater progress of the Gospel.

In Philippians 1:12, Paul wrote, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the Gospel.” Paul knew God had called him to take the Gospel to the whole Gentile world. He knew being in prison would be rough. But who would know that Paul would write 13 New Testament books, including several while imprisoned, that would help the entire world understand God loves them? Zig, zag.

Paul got to heal people and see thousands of people come to Christ—and he languished in Roman prisons. He asked himself, “Whose agenda is important, mine or God’s? Whose purpose am I serving?” God’s agenda was good news for Paul. God’s agenda, not personal comfort, became Paul’s agenda.

Paul’s comfort came from the joy and hope of Jesus, and he knew his role was to share that with others. Paul’s godly agenda helped him avoid becoming overwhelmed by life’s demands. 

My Injury Led to God’s Impact

Years ago, I blew out my ACL and MCL playing basketball. It was not something I would have chosen to go through. But over time, I got to know my physical therapist—a single mom who grew up with an atheist dad and had a painful life. Little by little, we talked and became friends.

I’ll never forget when she said, “You’re nothing at all like my father said Christians are.” And I remember when she trusted the Lord and first came to church with her daughter. That church loved her, and her life changed. And then she started bringing her friends.

I’m not going to lie: When I blew out my ACL, it was very hard. I lost my first step and couldn’t jump like I used to. But I’d give up my ACL any day for someone to know Jesus. My circumstances turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel.

God’s Purpose in the Zigzags

The question God has for you is this: What difficult situation, what painful thing, what zig that doesn’t make sense in your life might God want to use for the greater progress of the Gospel?

Don’t give up on the zig because God has a zag coming. 

If you have faith and don’t bail out, your current circumstances can turn out for the greater progress of the Gospel. And then, who knows what the Lord will do?

Prayer: Father, help us to trust in Your perfect timing and purpose, even when our path seems uncertain and challenging. Strengthen our faith to see that every zig and zag is part of Your agenda and leads to greater progress of the Gospel. Help us remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that You can turn our trials into testimonies of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

BIO: Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for more than 30 years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock; True Spirituality; The Real God; The Invisible War; and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and 12 grandchildren and live in California.