God's Calling You to Adventure

If you would've asked me 5 years ago, "Whit, do you consider yourself an adventurous person?"

I'd have laughed and said, "Not at all. My husband is, I just tag along."

Today, I actually do consider myself adventurous.

I've climbed to the top of 14,000 foot mountains more than ten different times. I've surfed in El Salvador, California, and Puerto Rico. I've backpacked in the mountains for more than 7 days at a time. 

Overall, I'm more comfortable with the discomfort, risk, and the grit required to do these challenging events and actually enjoy them. Now, these adventures are experiences I crave, that connect me more with God, keep me in shape, and yearly plan, as a way of life. 

I've learned so much about myself and life from these incredible experiences. Most times, I've cried, bled, and definitely sweat a ton - it's tough but that's when you become refined.

It's been a version of myself I didn't know was inside. God definitely created me to pursue adventure and I believe He has put that inside every human, no matter their level of tolerance.

I think people misunderstand the word "adventure" on both sides. People will claim to be an adventurer who loves the outdoors but barely get outside to see the sunlight. What they mean, is that they love the idea of being adventurous, they just don't put the time or energy into becoming someone who actually does. 

Other people, claim they're not adventurous, yet they own businesses, live an active lifestyle, and enjoy taking different types of risk.

Either way, I believe our Creator God, put inside each of us, at some level, a desire to adventure because we're made in His image.

Recently, a woman who's a business consultant in her 40's, attended our Puerto Rico Surf Retreat, so she could learn to surf for the first time. She's a courageous woman, who's overcame Breast Cancer, and very resilient.

The reason she came on the retreat was to feed her adventure side and integrate a different version of herself into business. She did exactly that, plus more, through her process of learning to surf. 

I was truly amazed at her transformation and increase of confidence. She faced her fear of water and the struggle of paddling out into the waves. Yet, she got up on her very first wave. It was incredible to witness! Once, she tasted the thrill of riding a wave, she was hooked.

Looking back, on my own journey to loving adventures, I clearly see that thinking, "I'm not the adventurous type" was a limiting belief that kept me living small. Thankfully, I had an easy and safe entry point to this way of life that I absolutely love. My husband, had been adventuring since he was 14 years old, all the way up to now. His experiences and stories are mind blowing but more than that, it's shaped the man that he is - courageous, level-headed, fun, confident and more. 

Gods word says, "God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for He has invited you to co-share the life of His Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King" 1 Corinthians 1:9 (TPT)

What God invites you and I to do is co-labor with Him, which requires risks and us to step out in faith. This is the adventure, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are all called to. He calls us out into the ocean, far away from the shoreline, to trust Him for His purpose and our destiny. 

It doesn't have to look like surfing waves in Puerto Rico, although, we highly recommend it!

This adventure can look like stepping out in faith by giving a bigger donation when your bank account can't afford it.

It can be moving across the country without a job or place to live. Of course, it's always an adventure we feel God inviting us into, not impulsive, in our own flesh,

Actually, God often calls us to do what looks foolish to the world, because He wants us to walk by faith, not by sight. 

This is exciting but involves risk and facing challenges, it's the essence of adventure. 

Just like me, I never thought I'd be someone who'd crave surfing in other countries or traveling in a small Truck Camper with my family for a year, but God has put these things in my heart that grows my trust in Him. Now, I consider myself someone who thrives in adventures and acknowledges the value of it as a way of life. 

I encourage you to do the same. 

What risk is God asking you to take? How can you add more adventure in your life?

God promises, "He will keep you steady and strong to the very end, making your character mature so that you will be found innocent on the day of our Lord Jesus" 1 Corinthians 1:8

When you say yes to adventure, whether it's surfing or moving to an unknown place, and you invite God into it, He will sustain and mature you. It's a wonderful journey that is uncomfortable but necessary to live by faith, abiding in Him. 

Finally, I want to add this. If you are someone who wants to become more adventurous with God, then I encourage you to sign up for something outside of your comfort zone or commit to going on a trip with other believers who can pray with you during your journey. Either one of these steps will get you a step closer to becoming the person who says yes to the unknown with courage and excitement. 

Heavenly Father,

I thank You that I'm made in Your image, courageous and adventurous, even when I haven't felt like I am. Thank You for your grace and protection as I navigate different types of adventures with You. Please grow my capacity to handle adversity, discomfort, face fears, and trust You in all of it. I want to live a life of fun adventures only with You at the center of them. Help me to say yes, when you're calling and discern when you're not. I am obedient to Your will for my life above my doubt or fear. In Jesus Name. Amen