2 Reasons You Are Not Experiencing God’s Adventure

In my last post, I talked about how God wants all of us on a great adventure with Him. He is not looking for us to play it safe (2 Chronicles 16:9). I made the case that He wants us fully committed to Him, willing to risk it all for whatever unknown adventure He has in store for us. If that is the case, why would anyone NOT experience this great adventure?

Missing The Adventure?

Well, I believe there are two main reasons that you might not be experiencing the adventure that God has in mind for you. There may be others, but I think these two reasons will cover the majority of cases. See if you agree.

Clear Purpose Required

The first reason I believe for not living God’s adventure is that you do not yet know or understand your purpose. I am not referring to your specific calling or the career(s) God has prepared for you. I am referring to your overall purpose as a believer in (and disciple of) Jesus. I am referring to your purpose as described throughout the New Testament.

Folks, you cannot read the Bible (see verses at the bottom of this post) and come away with a conviction that He has called you to live a quiet, safe life as a private Christian who goes to church on Sundays and lives a different life during the week. You cannot logically determine that God desires a part-time relationship with you on your terms or at your convenience.

His Purpose For You

No, He wants it all! In fact, He has paid for it all. As a result, your purpose is now to live according to His purpose for you. You are no longer your own; you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). These may not be the velvet-glove words you want to hear, but I promise you they are the truth.

What if you understand this truth and you are committed to living out your life according to His purposes for you, but you are pretty sure you are not living the adventure He has in mind for you? If this is the case, there is likely only one other reason.

Distracted From Purpose?

If you “get it” as I have described it above, but you are not currently living the adventure, then it is most likely because you are distracted from your purpose. Stop and take a look around at your circumstances. Think about your priorities. Consider your most recent concerns or fears.

If you fall into this category, then you will likely begin to see the distractions that have taken you off the adventure path. You will probably begin to identify distractions in multiples. You might even be shocked at the number or size of these distractions.

Priority Shift

Maybe your business goals have become your main priority, stealing your heart instead of remaining a means to an end. It could be that your fitness goals have turned into vanity goals rather than driving you to care for your temple. Even your church leadership pursuits can get twisted or you can lose your original focus on their true purpose.

I promise you, I understand. I have found myself in the same situation many times. I had the greatest intentions, but before I knew it I was on the side of the road dealing with issues or pursuits that I should have avoided or ignored. It happens to the best of us.

Take Action!

The key here is to recognize the problem and then take action. Once you are aware of the distractions, you have to do whatever it takes to get back on track. Doing so is not easy, but it is rather simple. In fact, I believe the steps you need to take here are the same ones you took to start the adventure in the first place!

1.) Get intimate with God through consistent Bible study and intense prayer.
2.) Let go (mentally, emotionally) of everything else you value.
3.) Ask Him to use you.
4.) Hold on, buckle up, and obey!

Regardless of which of these reasons apply to your situation, I recommend you start with Step #1 and proceed through all four. Remember that God is your greatest source of focus, wisdom, and power. Do not try to do this on your own. It is more about surrender than it is about striving. Let Him lead you.

Matthew 22:37-40
Matthew 28:19-20
Luke 9:62
Luke 9:23
Romans 12:1
Galatians 2:19-20
1 John 2:6
Ephesians 2:10
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Corinthians 3:10-15