Adventurous (6/20)

God does not intend for us to live a boring, uninteresting life - I believe that He wants to instill in us a spirit of adventure, recognizing that as we come to know Him better, we will experience the heights and depths of His love, His goodness, and His strength. Jesus said that He has come to give us abundant life, and Ephesians 3 reinforces that notion, praying that those who know Christ...
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Bear Grylls is a noted adventurer, but a recent piece that he wrote shows his participation in the adventure of knowing Christ.   A Movieguide article, quoting from The Times, of London, says:

What can climbing Mount Everest teach us about faith? For survivalist Bear Grylls, a lot, as his relationship with Jesus has empowered his life of adventure “for the better.”

“On one hand, religion always seemed the source of war, division and conflict. On the other, whenever I came across stories about Jesus, he seemed to be about peace, kindness, sacrifice, freedom, and affirmation,” Grylls wrote of his thoughts on faith as a young person.

Movieguide relates: 

This perspective made Grylls want to “explore the notion of faith and learn more about what he [Jesus] was about.” He sought the freedom Christ brings over the “rules” and “restrictions” of religion.

The article goes on to say that...

...Grylls asked, “What is this faith within? Can the power and presence that Jesus had on people 2,000 years ago have such an effect on us today?”

It can.

He says, "In a nutshell, my Christian faith has strengthened me in so many battles I’ve faced in life.”

Grylls notes that the first man to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary had said, “There is no such thing as an atheist in the ‘Death Zone’ on Everest.” Grylls went on to say, “I am sure a few atheists have climbed Everest over the years, but the point he made is that when we’re truly afraid and there’s no one around to help us, to possess a quiet faith can give us a persistence and courage that is so much greater than what we have within ourselves..."

Grylls also said, “At heart, my Christian faith tells me I will never walk alone, and that I have the light of the Almighty within me,” adding, “The most beautiful part is that this gift is given to any of us freely when we simply ask. And I’ve witnessed it change so many lives over the years.”  The Movieguide article quotes from Grylls's Times piece, stating:

“None of us deserves this gift,” he emphasized. “I certainly don’t. If anything, I am more aware than ever how often I have failed, yet still I am forgiven,” he added. “That’s why Christ turned everything on its head. His forgiveness is free because He has paid the price. He took our place on the Cross. He died to set us free. It’s the greatest story ever told.”

These are some great words of encouragement for the trials we face, a reminder that if we know Christ, we do not walk through our challenges alone.  And, I would submit that walking in this spiritual adventure means that we will encounter some challenges, some bumps in the road - but God has a purpose in those times and desires to use those trials to give us strength.

So we can rejoice through the good times and the tough times, remembering that we have a Savior who gave His life and takes special care of all who have trusted in Jesus.  Realizing that we have been and are loved by God can sustain us when we feel alone or when we feel that life has become a bit too challenging for our liking.  He will provide the strength and wisdom we need and He will help us walk through those storms in a way that brings glory to Him.