The Quiet Work That Adds Up

from Our Editors

1 min read ⭑

Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson’s latest release, “Gradually Then Suddenly,” offers a calm, grounded look at how meaningful growth really works — spiritually, personally and professionally. Batterson emphasizes that most “overnight” breakthroughs are actually the result of long stretches of quiet, consistent effort. What feels sudden is usually the natural outcome of choices made over months and years.

Drawing from decades of pastoral and leadership experience, he describes this as “long obedience in the same direction,” a posture that trusts steady faithfulness over quick wins. The book’s heartbeat is simple: small steps, taken repeatedly, create the conditions for significant change.

Reflecting on its origins, Batterson says, “I think every book I write is about a four-month writing season, but I think without knowing it, I started writing this book 30 years ago.” That long view shapes the entire project — a reminder that slow work is still real work, and that God often moves at a pace we don’t immediately recognize.

Gradually Then Suddenly isn’t about formulas or hacks. It’s an invitation to keep going, keep showing up and trust that the quiet parts of the journey matter. For anyone feeling impatient with slow progress, it’s a steadying word: growth may be gradual, but it’s never wasted.