Stay on Track

This expert summary draws from the message “Stay on Track,” emphasizing the theological principle that God orders the steps of a good man. The core focus is on how believers must remain disciplined, persistent, and faithful to the divine process, resisting the temptation to quit or panic when facing discouragement and adversity.

I. The Battle Against Discouragement and Worldly Frustration

Discouragement is presented as a universal and insidious foe that attempts to derail the believer’s progress.

The Pervasiveness of Discouragement

Discouragement is not limited by economic class or geography; it will ride to work, sit in subsidized living, walk into a middle-class house for coffee, or sit on the side of a Jacuzzi in a mansion, whispering that “life is not worth living”. If listened to, discouragement will cause individuals to make bad decisions and think life is not worth living.

The Agony of Comparison

A particularly painful source of discouragement for believers is seeing the wicked succeed while the righteous are held back. Believers may observe others who haven’t prayed, worked hard, or been faithful yet seem to enjoy visible, successive moments of victory. The prosperity of the wicked, flaunted before the righteous who are going through agony and tragedy, can become a source of frustration and despair.

The scriptural antidote to this frustration is found in Psalm 37:1: “Fret not thyself over evildoers how they prosper in their own way”. Believers are warned not to make a permanent decision over a temporary circumstance. If they continue walking with God, everything will ultimately be made right.

II. The Divine Process: Steps, Vision, and Preparation

The concept of “steps” is central, implying a process that requires time and cannot be skipped.

God Orders the Steps

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. This truth assures believers they are not wandering aimlessly or moving on their own; there is a defined course they must take before they can “graduate”. God is not “making this thing up as he goes”. The ultimate fight of faith is to stay on track.

The Torment of Vision

A visionary often sees “what shall be” but wakes up to deal with “what is,” creating agony and torment. Visionaries are often tempted to “hasten the process” to reach their destiny. David, for example, might have preferred not to know he would be king if he had to go back to tending sheep. Hope deferred makes the heart sick.

Preparation Over Destination

The reason God dictates the steps and controls the timing is that the blessing is already prepared, but the person is not. The work is not applied to the destination, but applied to the believer.

• Handling the Blessing: A blessing given too soon is not a blessing at all. Just as a five-year-old cannot handle car keys, receiving a destiny too early means the person “can’t handle it,” and the blessing may drive them away from God. God’s goodness is proven by His ability to say, “not yet“.
• The Prodigal Son Example: The prodigal son received his portion of goods too soon, and the blessing drove him “over the edge”.
• Correction is Necessary: If steps in the process (e.g., issues with “Jimmy,” “Willie,” or “Sally”) were skipped, God will send the lesson back through different people (e.g., “Freddy,” “Roger,” or “Susie”) until the necessary work is complete. God’s focus is on preparing the person for the blessing.

III. The Mandate to Press: Discipline and Endurance

In the face of delay and process, the believer’s duty is to press and maintain perseverance.

Pressing Over Pain

The command is to “press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling”. This involves actively pressing over depression, rejection, fear, and loneliness. Every time the devil attacks, the believer must press.

• Energy in Motion: Energy is measured by motion; the devil wants believers to sit down, shut up, and feel sorry for themselves.
• The Value of the Press: The value of a man is measured by how hard he presses. Hard pressing indicates strength and force.

The Cross Precedes the Crown

Jesus Himself followed ordered steps and refused to be crowned too soon. They tried to skip the process, but Jesus asserted that His cross makes His crown, His agony makes His ecstasy, and His sickness illuminates His healing and prosperity. Believers only appreciate good things like health after they have been sick.

Step Praise and Continuous Movement

Believers must praise God on the steps. This means they don’t have to wait until they are finished or on the final stage. “Step praise” is hated by the devil because it declares gratitude for progress: “I’m not where I’m going to be, but I’m glad I’m not where I used to be”.

Believers must not give up, cry, or collapse on the steps, lest they be run over. They are commanded to Get on up them steps regardless of age (40, 50, 60, 70, or 80).