FOLLOWING CHRIST IS AN ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY OF FAITH
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“The adventure of the Christian life begins when we dare to do what we would never tackle without Christ.” – William Penn –
The Christian life is a journey of adventure. A journey planned by God before we were born. Who knows where the hand of God will lead us on our spiritual walk?
Are you up for an adventure? Jesus calls us to follow Him on the adventure of a lifetime. Every step of our Christian journey is adventurous when we are following in His footsteps. For we know not what lies ahead.
“Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show Your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; and to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love.” – Sir Francis Drake
Adventure is defined as a daring and exciting activity calling for enterprise and enthusiasm. It may entail risks, dangers, uncertainties, thrills. It most definitely will be the unexpected. Filled with action and vibrancy, challenges and opposition. We may at times wonder if we are up for quite so wild a ride.
Yet this is our life’s mission, our quest, as followers of Jesus. It requires boldness, passion, courage… and the Spirit and power of Christ within us. It will take us beyond our comfort zones… into new and uncharted territory. At its essence, it is a journey of faith… faith in our ever-faithful Guide and Pathfinder.
“Trust completely in God, and when He brings you to a new opportunity of adventure, offering it to you, see that you take it.” – Oswald Chambers
One day by the Sea of Galilee, two brothers happen upon the adventure of their lifetimes. These unassuming fishermen, Peter and Andrew, are setting out their nets for what appears to be just another day of fishing. Then they hear the call of Jesus on their lives…
“Come, follow Me… and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:19
What a powerful impact these words have upon them both, for they immediately leave their nets… and their life’s occupation… and follow Jesus. Their lives of adventure are just beginning. They become two of Jesus’ chosen twelve apostles, and Peter becomes one in His inner circle of three loyal followers.
Amazing experiences begin to unfold in Peter’s life. He witnesses firsthand the life-changing words and miracles of his Teacher. He walks on the stormy waters of the sea to his Master. He stands awestruck before the magnificence of his Lord at the Transfiguration.
Peter is the first of the followers to believe and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Although he promises to never forsake his Lord, his faith falters. Three times he denies even knowing Jesus. At the crucifixion, he and nearly all the apostles desert their Lord at His darkest hour.
Yet after the resurrection, Jesus sends His promised Spirit, emboldening Peter for his mission ahead. This apostle fearlessly steps out and shares the gospel message. In the name of Jesus, he miraculously heals all who come to him in faith. He risks his life for Jesus in answer to the anointed call upon this apostle’s life.
“As you love God and serve Him, you will undoubtedly experience the greatest adventure life has to offer.” – Bill Bright, Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ
Peter could never have imagined how his life would turn out. A humble fisherman is transformed into a courageous, impassioned man of God and a pillar in the early Church. His life becomes an adventurous journey each step of the way. At every turn, he trusts in Jesus, his Guide and Trailblazer wherever He leads.
Is this not the way our God works… choosing the least likely candidates for His missions? For He sees in His followers their hearts for Him and their potential for greatness. He places in each of us a desire to make a difference in this world for His kingdom and His glory.
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” – Psalm 48:14
When we choose to believe, our Lord places a calling on our lives. We belong to Him. Our lives are no longer our own. He anoints us and prepares us for His call to adventure.
What will your call to adventure look like? In whatever way it unfolds, it will be unique… planned just for you… tailored to your personality, your gifts, your talents. It will be divinely inspired… created in the mind of a God who cherishes you. It will be dynamic… changing with the seasons of your life.
Perhaps you are waiting to see a plan for your journey… an itinerary for your travels… a road map for your quest. Yet then would it be an adventure?
Perhaps you dare not set out into the unknown for fear you may encounter setbacks, trials, opposition. The Lord understands your reticence to venture upon unfamiliar paths on your own. That is why He gives His Spirit to embolden and encourage you for your journey with Him.
This life of adventure will only be experienced by staying close to Christ… listening for His words to you in Scripture… staying open to His Spirit’s leadings. Ask for His wisdom and direction. Agree to cooperate in partnering with Him on this quest. Give Him your ordinary life and ask Him to make it His extraordinary life.
Once you embrace this journey of faith, your life will never be the same. Be brave… be bold… knowing you are under God’s protective care. Believe for the unbelievable. Expect the unexpected. Follow Jesus on the adventure of a lifetime.
