Isn’t it interesting to realize that there are words you use almost on a daily basis but you really aren’t quite spot-on about their actual meaning? Take for instance our theme this month, “Adventure”, had you asked me I would have said ‘adventure’ was doing something exhilarating, fun or something you don’t normally do. With this paradigm, an adventure for me would be special, planned for outings, travel, shopping spree, trying out a new meal… fun things.
But as I delved into the meaning of this word, I came across synonyms like ‘daring’, ‘exploit’, ‘risky’, ‘quest’… I had to do a double take when I saw these words. I didn’t know that adventure meant so much. Then I asked myself, “in line with God’s purpose for my life, aka my destiny, am I living an adventure? Are destiny adventures God’s will for my life or does His will mirror my [previous]desire to live life not rocking the boat?”
I don’t know about you, but I previously lived my life consciously avoiding ANYTHING that would rock my boat, cause me to step out of my comfort zone, stretch or demand more of me. I did this at work, in relationships, with investments… it was the hallmark of my life. When asked pointed questions,I would say “yes”, just to avoid annoying someone or stepping on their ‘toes’. I am sure you can guess the result of this ‘safe’ existence? Nothing! Yes, nothing happened. I took no new territories, conquered no dreams, defeated no enemies, and killed no Goliaths. I am sure you will agree that this is far below God’s best for me…for anyone of us.
God’s word is replete with promises and commands supporting the fact that He has indeed called us to a life of audacity, exploits and a veritable quest for the divine.
Remember He is the one who inspired Daniel to say that they who do know their God will be strong and do exploits. To turn this on its head, we can infer that when you and I have an intimate relationship with God, we will live life full of adventures.
As I have grown in intimacy with God, I have also become aware that His MO (modus operandi) is to push you out. Remember Abram, Jacob, Shadrach & Co, David, Apostle Paul, John the Beloved and Mary. They all had to at some point embrace their individual destiny adventures aka God’s will for their lives.
And I believe God wants us all to grow into our destinies as we grow in Him. Remember that when the Angel announced her unique destiny adventure to her, she responded by saying in Luke 1:8 ‘be it done to me according to your word’. In other words, she accepted her quest.
Have you been rejecting your quest?
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Is it scary? You bet! David in Psalms 61:2 cried out because he was overwhelmed.
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Does it hurt? John the Beloved was torturedthen left for dead on the Isle of Patmos.
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Could it be confusing? Paul using an oxymoron called it ‘our light affliction’.
But before I scare you away from your destiny adventure, let me assure you that in spite of all these, I have personally found that I am not alone in my quest towards exploits. I have discovered that for every step,we have exciting promises from which we may draw strength, inspiration and hope.
In this New Year, mine is Isaiah 54: 2-4: Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. Do not be afraid, you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace, you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood (Emphasis mine).
These verses are full of pointers for my personal destiny adventure in 2015. From this I know that 2015 will be a daring year- a year full of opportunities requiring me to step out of my comfort zone. A year where I will have to change certain paradigms or routines and press towards the mark of the high call which for me is to dispossess nations and settle desolate cities. And I have the assurance that although things will happen that will inspire fear, God has got my back covered in 2015.
Do you have your orders for 2015? Do you know what your destiny adventure is for this year? It’s not too late to enquire and get our Commander In Chief’s orders. I assure you there is safety in your destiny adventure. So go ahead…rock that boat!