September 4, 2009
Let The Adventure Begin
Lori Fairchild
We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Lori Fairchild.
Today's Truth
1 Corinthians 1:7 "Just thinkâyou don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that" (NCV).
Friend To Friend
My 6-year-old daughter Carolyn and I had a busy day planned. I was getting ready while she played. When it came time to do her hair, she appeared - dressed in jewelry, pink sunglasses and a pink purse.
Now this might seem like normal, cute behavior for most 6-year-old girls, but I can count on one hand the number of times my daughter has voluntarily dressed up in pink anything. She has never been interested in princesses and pretty dresses and would rather wield a light saber than a princess wand. After seeing her dressed up, I picked my jaw up off the floor and we had this conversation:
Me: You look beautiful. Are you a rock star?
Carolyn: No, I'm a princess!
Me: Are you going to a ball?
Carolyn: Actually, I'm just pretending to be a princess. I need to trick the castle guard, so I can break into the castle and kill the evil king and rescue the real princess.
While this response was typical Carolyn and caused me to nearly fall down laughing, it also made me think. Carolyn always wants to have an adventure. While other girls are pretending to be mommies and princesses, Carolyn is figuring out how to be the hero. While women come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, like Carolyn, we all long for a really great adventure and the chance to make a difference.
As Christian women, we sometimes think that an adventure is outside what God has planned for us. We have this view of the "perfect" woman who can recite scripture, has perfect children, can make pie from scratch, always has a clean house and sings like an angel in the church choir. We don't really think God has any life-changing adventures in mind for us.
Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of the women God has used to accomplish His perfect plan. The women in the Bible were all on a great adventure with God. They were bold and willing to be used by God. Ruth, Rahab and Esther all stepped out in faith and God used them in a mighty way. If you don't think stepping into the king's chamber, knowing it could mean death was an adventure for Esther - think again. Think about Mary, Jesus' mother. Here she was, a young girl who had her life mapped out. She was going to be the wife of a carpenter and settle into a traditional life for a girl of that time. But God had other plans and sent her on a great adventure - one that would stretch her faith and leave her wondering how her life had changed so drastically.
Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Abundant life doesn't tie us to some convoluted vision we have of the "perfect" Christian woman. Abundant life is full of adventure and making a difference. God wants us to go on a great adventure with Him. A relationship with God is a great adventure.
I guarantee that if you truly step into an intimate relationship with God, you will experience more adventure than you have ever known. God will ask you to do things you never thought you could do and may ask you to give up some things you didn't think you could live without. However, He will offer you a relationship with Him and fill your life with blessings beyond your wildest imaginings. Sometimes it's not easy, but it is worth it.
So, pick up your taste for adventure and step into a relationship with God where you are ready for whatever adventure He has for you.
Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the great adventure of knowing You and walking with You. I praise You for the abundant life you have given me and for the amazing promise of all that is to come because I know You and have surrendered my life to You. Lord, I pray that others will see in me the exciting and full life only You can provide. I don't want to settle for anything less than Your perfect plan for my life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
- What does "stepping out in faith" mean in your life?
- Would you consider yourself to be a woman of faith? Would your friends and family agree?
- Think back over the past month and list the adventures of faith you have experienced. Praise God for His faithfulness and provision in each one.
- Read and memorize Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
More From The Girlfriends
Remember the last time you and your family went on vacation or planned a special outing. Part of the excitement was in the planning, wasn't it? I have a challenge for you. Make the commitment to get up each day this week - anticipating an adventure with God. Seek Him. Look for His hand at work in your life. Let the adventure begin!
Need encouragement? Check out Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey where you will find practical and powerful tools for daily living. Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ? Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more!
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