According to JoAnne

Modern Day Adventurer

 Good morning, friend! Let’s take a moment to imagine something together. Picture yourself as a modern-day adventurer, setting out on a journey. But this isn’t just any journey—it’s a biblical one, filled with purpose, challenges, and incredible experiences. Have you ever considered what it would be like to embark on such a journey? What if we decided to be adventurers for God, just like so many of the faithful in the Bible? 

The Bible is full of people who went on incredible adventures, often starting alone but picking up companions along the way. Abraham is one of the first to come to mind. God called him to leave his home and go to a land He would show him. Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV) says, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’” Abraham’s journey wasn’t just about physical travel; it was a journey of faith and trust in God’s promises. 

Think about Moses. His adventure started in Egypt, but after fleeing to Midian, God called him from a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery. In Exodus 3:10 (NIV), God says to him, “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Moses didn’t start his journey with a crowd, but as he obeyed God’s call, he became the leader of a nation. 

And then there’s Jesus. He began His ministry alone but quickly started picking up disciples one by one. Peter, Andrew, James, John—the list grew. Jesus taught them, walked with them, and shared His life with them. What began as a small group of twelve men grew into crowds that followed Him everywhere. They sat on hillsides, traveled miles to hear Him, and eventually, His name and message spread to places He never physically visited.  

Let’s also consider the story of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. She started her journey with just her dog, Toto. Along the way, she picked up the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. Each of them had their struggles and fears, but together they supported and helped each other reach their goal. This journey transformed them all. It’s a wonderful metaphor for our spiritual journey—starting alone but growing stronger and more impactful as we gather companions along the way. 

Now, imagine if we decided to embark on our own biblical journey. What if we set out to be modern-day adventurers for Christ, dynamic in our faith and purpose? Picture it: stepping out of our comfort zones, following God’s call, and seeing where He leads us. As we move forward, others are drawn to us, inspired by our courage and conviction, and they decide to join us. Our small beginning could grow into something far greater than we ever imagined. 

Jesus gave us a powerful mandate in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is our adventure! It’s a call to go out into the world, share the gospel, and make disciples.  

The journey might not always be easy. We’ll face challenges, just as the adventurers in the Bible did. But God promises to be with us every step of the way. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This assurance allows us to step out in faith, knowing that God is our strength and support. 

Jesus also encourages us to be the light in a dark world. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our adventure involves shining brightly for God, illuminating the path for others and guiding them towards His love and truth. 

So, what does it take to be a modern-day adventurer for God? It takes a willingness to step out in faith, to embrace the journey, and to trust in God’s plan. It’s about being dynamic, courageous, and open to where God leads. Just like the adventurers in the Bible, we start where we are and invite others to join us along the way. 

Let’s remember the words of Jesus in John 14:12 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” We are called to continue the work Jesus started, to be His hands and feet in the world. 

Think about it—if we truly embrace this call, our journey could transform not just our lives but the lives of those around us. We could inspire others to embark on their own adventures, creating a ripple effect of faith, hope, and love that reaches far and wide. 

There is a cost to going on an adventure. It’s an important aspect we must consider. Most people who are adventurers are thrill seekers who dive headfirst into their quests, often with little understanding of the true cost involved. While the thrill and excitement are part of the journey, we need to be aware and prepared for the sacrifices and challenges we will face. Jesus Himself spoke about counting the cost. In Luke 14:28-30 (NIV), He says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”

Embarking on a biblical journey means we must count the cost. We may face opposition, sacrifice comfort, and endure hardships. The Apostle Paul is a profound example of someone who understood the cost of following Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (NIV), he shares, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

Paul’s journey was filled with unimaginable challenges, yet he persevered. He knew that whatever the cost, it would be worth it. Why? Because the adventure of following Christ is not just about the journey—it’s about the destination and the transformation that happens along the way. In Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV), Paul writes, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

The cost of our adventure might include giving up certain comforts, facing persecution, or enduring personal sacrifices. But at the end of the day, the reward far outweighs the cost. The reward is an intimate relationship with Jesus, the joy of seeing lives transformed, and the eternal impact we make by following Him faithfully.

Jesus reassured us of the worthiness of this journey. In Matthew 19:29 (NIV), He says, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” The blessings and rewards of following Christ are incomparable to any earthly gain. The sacrifices we make on this adventure are nothing compared to the eternal joy and fulfillment we will receive.

Being a modern-day adventurer means embracing this truth. It means understanding that while the road may be tough, the destination is glorious. We are not called to a life of ease but to a life of purpose, mission, and deep fulfillment. We are called to impact lives, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to share the love of Christ with a world in desperate need.

Think about Jesus’ journey. He started alone, calling His disciples one by one. His first circle of twelve men grew to thousands. People traveled miles just to hear Him speak. His name spread to places He had never been. It wasn’t an easy journey—Jesus faced opposition, betrayal, and ultimately the cross. Yet, He knew the cost and still chose to go on this journey for our sake. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) tells us, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The joy of our salvation was worth the cost for Jesus.

As we consider this adventure, let’s be inspired by His example. Let’s understand that while there is a cost, the joy set before us—the lives changed, the people brought to faith, the deepening of our own relationship with God—is worth every sacrifice.

So, my friend, are you ready to be a modern-day adventurer? Are you ready to embrace the journey, knowing that while it may be challenging, it will be profoundly rewarding? Let’s step out in faith, count the cost, and trust that God will be with us every step of the way. As the Nike slogan encourages us: Just do it. Let’s go on this adventure together, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Let’s be modern-day adventurers for Christ. Let’s step out in faith, embrace the journey, and invite others to join us. The adventure awaits, and God is with us every step of the way. As the famous Nike slogan says, “Just do it.” Let’s go out there and be the dynamic, faith-filled adventurers God has called us to be. 

Blessings to you on your journey, dear friend. May you find courage, joy, and purpose as you step out in faith and follow where God leads.

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