God’s Presence

God’s Presence

Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Many years ago when my husband and I were living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we experienced a spiritual awakening. Overwhelmed by such a great gift of salvation and grace, we gave our lives to God and told him, “We’ll do anything you want us to do and go anywhere you have in mind!” We didn’t know that would mean moving to Oklahoma City (an hour and a half away) and later to South Africa, Zambia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil (all much more than an hour and a half away). For us, the journey had begun.

Don’t be afraid, I sensed God saying when he led me to quit my teaching job and begin writing a book for parents. Don’t be discouraged, he encouraged my husband, Holmes, when he gave up a secure salary to go in a totally different direction in business and later to build houses. Our priorities changed. Our careers changed as we discovered that God had a very different plan for us than we’d had for ourselves. But the biggest change of all was that we found life to be a day-by-day adventure, not merely something to endure or survive.

I don’t believe God brings us out of darkness into his marvelous light in order for us to stay in our comfort zones. Instead, I think he wants to move us beyond ourselves to a passionate pursuit of his purpose for our lives. Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable; change and uncertainty can be scary, and difficulties and trials may lie ahead on our journey. New challenges may be daunting and always stretch us. But if we start living life as the great adventure God means it to be, then every difficulty, every obstacle, can be a door to greater purpose, life, and growth. In this week’s devotionals, you’ll discover some of the key principles we learned along the way that have helped us to continue the journey and to live life as a great adventure. —CHERI

Lord, it’s so tempting to retreat to my comfort zone. Help me to resist that temptation. As you call me forth to do your will, may I remember and believe that you are with me wherever I go and that your light and truth will lead me on the great adventure of life.

The initial call to discipleship was a call to adventure. The early disciples were called to leave . . . the comfort and security of familiar ways and places, to go they knew not where and to do they knew not what. Day by day they discovered that life was a great adventure, and that every hardship and every setback was a doorway to new service and maturity. —J. KEITH MILLER, AUTHOR AND SPEAKER