Everything Is Created Twice: The Power of Imagination and Long Obedience

Join Shannon Bream as she welcomes Pastor Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author and pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., to discuss his new book, Gradually, Then Suddenly: How to Dream Bigger, Decide Better, and Leave a Lasting Legacy. With candid wisdom earned from 29 years of ministry, Mark addresses the cultural obsession with overnight success by flipping the script on a famous Ernest Hemingway line about going bankrupt—showing how we accomplish anything meaningful through faithful daily obedience that prepares us for God’s sudden moments. He shares his own story of dreaming about writing at 22 but not publishing until 35, acknowledging that getting out of bed can be a major accomplishment in some seasons, while reminding us that imagination is part of the image of God. Mark unpacks powerful concepts like “everything is created twice” (first in imagination, then through blood, sweat, and tears), explains why destiny is decisions (not mystery), and redefines legacy as “what others accomplish because of us”—pointing to Elijah’s protégé Elisha, who performed twice as many miracles. With examples from Michael Jordan to Pablo Casals, Mark offers hope for anyone trying to navigate God’s will, play the long game, and understand that success is succession—providing a roadmap for those ready to fall in love with gradually and trust God with the suddenly.