Wild Goose Chase

How many times have you said to yourself, “This is a wild goose chase” after someone sent you to buy something, only to find it sold out at store after store? Ever try catching a wild goose? It’s almost impossible, and if they find water, forget it. Actually, I haven’t seen as many people trying to catch a goose as trying to get away from one that’s chasing them. 

I’d recommend Mark Batterson’s book, Wild Goose Chase. I was surprised to learn that in Celtic Christianity around AD 500, the Holy Spirit was known as the “Wild Goose.” His book opened up a new way for me to think about the Holy Spirit. Mark’s call is for Christ-followers to rediscover the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The marked difference between geese and the Spirit of God is that He desires us to “catch” Him.

Here are some activities in which the Holy Spirit wants me to be engaged so that I will encounter Him.

1. HE WANTS ME TO FLY WITH OTHERS – The Spirit of God is working around the world, bringing glory to Jesus. He wants me to “fly” with others to make a difference for Christ. Instead of attempting to handle from Gresham the care for orphans and widows and other “overlooked” people in India and Rwanda, Apple of His Eye Charity has chosen to work through partners who live in those lands. As a Charity, we are committed to “flying” with them.

2. HE WANTS ME TO FLY IN FORMATION – God has given geese the instinct to fly in the “goose V” formation because it reduces the wind drag on each of the geese, making the flight a little easier. When I give financially to AHEC, I’m helping to “reduce the drag” on people on the other side of the globe, making life a little easier for them.

3. HE WANTS ME TO HONK – When I first went to India, it was unsettling that all the cars were constantly honking. Then I realized that the drivers weren’t suffering from road rage. They were simply letting other drivers know they were nearby. Because the children in our orphanages are no longer alone, but now are part of a loving family, there is lots of joyful “honking” among the kids.

The Holy Spirit also helps AHEC to “honk” to God. Prayer is the lifeblood of AHEC, asking God for His direction and power. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26–27) 

In addition to talking with others and with God, the Holy Spirit wants us to “honk” the message of the Gospel. It is very important to Apple of His Eye Charity that our partners are men who realize that orphans and widows need more than food and shelter. They need eternal life. They need Jesus! 

As we participate in these activities, it is very likely that our “Wild Goose” chases will become more successful and adventuresome.

By Marlon Furtado