Patterns > Instances 🤝

Let me tell you about two people I've had the privilege of spending time with recently. Obviously, I've changed their names, so you have no idea who I'm talking about, but I bet the themes are relatable.

I know they are for me.

Alex is charismatic. He makes a strong first impression, crushes a presentation every now and then, and even pulls the occasional all-nighter to pull something off at the last second. When he shines, he really shines. He's convinced this is what success looks like. 

But if you zoom out, the pattern is less impressive: late starts, missed details, constant catch-up. Reactive, not proactive.

Jordan, on the other hand, isn't flashy. But she's steady. She builds structure into her weeks, with consistent mornings, clear priorities, and time for reflection. No big bursts of brilliance, but dependable progress. Her team knows they can count on her. She's not chasing moments; she's building momentum.

Observation: Both Alex and Jordan have instances and patterns in their life.

But fast forward five years, and guess who is seeing collateral damage and who is experiencing collateral goodness. 

Not the one with the highlight reel, but the one with the healthy rhythms.

Here’s the principle:

A successful life isn't built on intense instances. It's built on strong patterns.

We love the energy of moments: a burst of inspiration, a bold conversation, a powerful worship service. Those things matter. But if they aren't embedded into the daily rhythms of our lives, they fade. Maybe even worse is how they can deceive us into thinking we're becoming someone we're not.

Jesus said, "Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much" (Luke 16:10, NIV). Faithfulness isn't measured by what we do occasionally but by what we repeat.

And the same is true in reverse: sin doesn't start big. It usually begins as a tolerated instance… that becomes a pattern.

That's why Scripture calls us to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). Perseverance requires a pattern, not just passion.

Let me ask you —

What patterns need to become instances?

• Are there ways of thinking or living that are stuck on repeat? Maybe it's fear, self-sabotage, overcommitment, or even avoidance? 

• Are there sinful habits you've started to accept as just "part of you"? What if those didn't define your story, but over time, they could become instances that you let go of?

What instances need to become patterns?

• Think back to a time when you felt in rhythm in the form of being present, clear-headed, engaged, and at peace. What would it take for that to become a rhythm, not just a rare memory? That moment might be the Holy Spirit inviting you into a new pattern.

It is never too late to choose consistency over chaos.

It's not about being perfect but about becoming faithful.

It comes from becoming the kind of person who expects them… because your patterns make them inevitable.

"Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

What is 1 small step you can take this week to begin healthy patterns in your work and life? 

As always, if you're having a hard time finding healthy patterns or stopping destructive ones, we'd love to help you navigate that as you navigate the world. 

In Your Corner.

See you next Tuesday!