How to Dream Brave With GodÀpẹrẹ

Devotional

ADVENTURE

If God Himself invited you to go on an adventure with Him, would you say yes?

In our journey of obedience, He might call us to do things out of the ordinary. Those invitations to reach out to our neighbor next door, quit our jobs to start a new season, or move to the mission field might be uncomfortable.

Yet without leaving our comfort zones, many of us will stagnate. Over time, our concerns over petty things and little luxuries, our desire to hold on to our status quo, to build our career prospects and build bigger barns for ourselves, can hinder us from taking steps of faith forward.

Don’t get me wrong—I, too, like foamed lattes and perfect beach holidays. I like seeing my bank account grow. I love it when everyone around me approves of my decisions! So when God called my family with two young girls to relocate long-term to Tanzania without a clear plan ahead, fear arose in me.

Some time ago, together with our two toddlers aged six and four, my husband and I set off to Tanzania for a two-week vision trip with no idea what to expect. On the way to the airport, I struggled with a deep sense of anxiety, wondering if this was all a mistake. What was I doing bringing my immunocompromised, cancer-surviving husband and two little children to semi-rural parts of Africa? How did I expect for us to thrive and flourish there, without our usual support systems and urban luxuries? Where would we stay, and what work would we do?

But the trip surprised us. We had left with a simple prayer—“God show us Your will.” And He was faithful.

Little did we expect Him to open doors for us at a semi-rural hospital, or to find a potential house and potential school for our children over our short visit. It was as if He had gone before us to pave the way ahead. What I thought should have been a difficult venture became a beautiful invitation to see His goodness at every step of the way.

Perhaps you, too, are counting the cost of following God and starting to get cold feet. Perhaps you’re wondering if the shimmer of the revelation you received might be starting to wear off.

Today I want to encourage you to surround yourself with the vision, voice, and peace that God gave to you when you first felt that stirring to embark on your journey of faith.

Abide in His love. Affirm yourself with people who love God and His gentle leading. Align yourself to Him in areas you’ve gone astray. Avail yourself to whatever He says. And trust that He has already gone before you to pave the way ahead. Take a deep breath, take a leap of faith, and get ready for the big adventure ahead.

Reflection:

What fears and anxieties about stepping out into the unknown do you have?

How has God met you before when you stepped out in faith in previous times?

Response:

Dear God, taking the step of faith is hard, yet simple. So many unknowns ahead scare me. Yet, I know that You know the end from the beginning, and You are waiting for me to say yes. Give me the courage I need to dream bravely and live boldly. Help me let go of my worries and fears, and surrender my life into Your hands. I want to testify of Your amazing goodness. Help me say yes to all You’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This plan has been adapted from the book Dream Brave. Dream Brave - Baker Book House