Sometimes we get in the thinking mode of believing we cannot do anything. And in that framework of thinking we become dangerously weak and not adventurous. I like adventure and all of the elements involved in it. With all of the TikTok reels, we get to see many examples of people "going for it" and some end up good and some bad. I especially like the one where the guy jumps off a perfectly good wall onto a small post about twenty feet away and then "sticks it" by not falling off the post. The expression on his face when he doesn't miss the post and fall in the water is priceless and the accompanying cheers seem to make it all worth it to him. There IS also the one where the guy misses the post entirely and falls into the cold water and he is met with jeers from a crowd of people who are not even willing to try.
There will always be doubters, but where are the visionaries? We are becoming less and less prevalent and the overwhelming attitude of apathy in our world pretty much guarantees there will be even fewer people willing to go for it because they fear failure and the jeers of the bystanders, who would never even attempt it. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. Timid (def) - showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened. To have a spirit of adventure is the ability to soar above the crowd and dispel the doubters and stand as one who has great faith. For the lost person it's a thought of how lucky you need to be to succeed. For the born-again believer, it is a matter of faith. We read in Hebrews 11 about those followers of God who were willing to lose everything to follow God and the God of their faith came through in huge ways. That God is Jehovah God and He is never-changing and all-powerful. Our God truly is an awesome God!!
In the realization of how powerful our God is, we must at some time be willing to go forth in the power that only God can give and trust Him and "step out" in faith and take a stand. I am writing this and almost doubting what I am saying, so the reality of failure and ridicule in taking that step is a constant burden when trying to step out in faith. Time can get away from us because every day is precious and should be lived in the faith that is enabled by a very present God who is our provider and hope. It is because of God's faithfulness that those in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 even took a stand and those same steps are needed by us today. When we take those steps a spark will turn into a fire in others who know God has something special for them to do. The spark is there and God is the one who fans the flame, but don't let your fear dampen what God is calling you to do. Because you see, there is a verse 6 in 2 Timothy 1 and that verse goes like this 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
Today I am reminding myself and possibly you to not give up letting that flame get hotter and brighter and in fact fanning into a full flame the gift God has given you. You may think you have gone as far as you can and you are right. But you must step aside and let the calling of God reignite that true flame into a great fire of faith that makes a huge difference in the kingdom. God is not through with you yet, and today is the day to hear these words from Paul and respond in the way God wants you to. I am reminding myself as I write this that "there is more" and God is holding the more in His hand and He has kept the spark going in your life and the Holy Spirit is set to "go" and you know it. Give in and let God fan into flame that pure, undefiled gift that only He can give you. The following is a true story and it speaks to the need to go "all in" with God and let Him be your guide.
When Julius Caesar landed on the shores of Britain with his Roman legions, he took a bold and decisive step to ensure the success of his military venture. Ordering his men to march to the edge of the Cliffs of Dover, he commanded them to look down at the water below. To their amazement, they saw every ship in which they had crossed the channel engulfed in flames. Caesar had deliberately cut off any possibility of retreat. Now that his soldiers were unable to return to the continent, there was nothing left for them to do but to advance and conquer! And that is exactly what they did.
God has our back and God has our front, so let Him be the guide for stepping out in faith and "burn the ships!" You Can Do It!
The Pilgrimage Continues
David Warren
Comments