Gradually, Then Suddenly: The Speed of a Seed (Mark Batterson)
True success doesn’t happen overnight. In his new book Gradually Then Suddenly, bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson reminds us that God is often doing His deepest work slowly—beneath the surface, over time—so that when the breakthrough comes, we’re ready for it.
In this conversation, Mark and Alan explore how faithfulness in small, daily choices prepares the way for unexpected moments of transformation. They talk about persistence, conviction, “cathedral thinking,” and how God grows us at what Mark calls the speed of a seed.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your quiet obedience still matters, this episode will encourage you to trust that God’s gradual work always leads to sudden grace.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why what looks like “overnight success” is really the fruit of long obedience.
- How small, consistent actions create a “compound effect” of spiritual growth.
- What it means to live and lead at the speed of a seed.
- How to hold a long view of faith—what Mark calls cathedral thinking.
- Encouragement for weary hearts who feel stuck in slow seasons.
Resources Mentioned:
- Gradually Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson
- Learn more at markbatterson.com
Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.
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Alan consults and coaches leaders and their organizations in the U.S. and around the world, helping them work towards long-term productivity that lasts rather than settling for quick fixes that don’t. He is the award-winning author of five books, including An Unhurried Life, An Unhurried Leader, and A Non-Anxious Life.
Gem is the co-host of the Unhurried Living Podcast as well as the author of Hold That Thought and co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Her work has appeared in Propel Women and Our Daily Bread.
