We’re Going on an Adventure

It was one of those weekends where my cup had been filled to overflowing. Driving home from my stay in Coeur d’Alene, the rivers were brimming with melted snow finally being released from their home on the mountains. It was a good image of overflowing abundance, the way I felt after being with dear friends and worshipping with our Idaho church family. For the last few weeks, I’ve been asking God, “what does the next season look like?” I’ve had an overwhelming supply of ideas, that never seem to run out, but the question is always, “what do I do now?” After the weekend, I felt God’s encouragement to this question. 

Sunday, amid holy, surrendered worship, a familiar melody my sister would sing to our kids before bedtime started playing in my mind, “we’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, what a beautiful day, we’re not scared.” It had nothing to do with the worship, but it was ringing in my mind this time with different lyrics, “we’re going on an adventure, we’re going to do it together, what a beautiful way, we’re not scared.” When these lyrics ran through my mind, God gave me a picture of Jesus swopping me up onto his shoulders, as we set out for our big adventure. While tears ran down my face, suddenly my questions of, what is next, or what do I do now, diminished, and I was met with peace that no matter what is next, we always do it together, God never will lead me in the wrong places, and even in the rough Terrain, He is always with us. 

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

Life is an adventure with Jesus, and we are to fear not (Isaiah 41:10), for the things ahead. He DELIGHTS in our voyage together, not missing a single detail of our every need in all seasons. While sitting on our Father’s shoulders, we can be the planners that point to the great things saying, “let’s go over here and look at this beautiful lake!” But God must be the establisher that speaks, “first we must walk through this desert, in order for you to understand the greatness of the water.” We would live our life in a lot less fear and anxiety, if we learned to go up the mountains and through the valleys, up the rivers and over streams through the rocky cliffs and in the dry deserts, knowing that we’re sitting on the shoulders of the One who directs our every step. 

While picturing this adventure, it was clear to me that God reminds us that He is not only the director of our steps, but He is the PROVIDER of our every need. In this vision the Lord gave me, when we got to things I could not see as clearly, God would hand me a pair of binoculars, so the things I could not make out, would become clear and visible. When we got to the river, He placed a boat in it’s waves and got in it with me. Then, He would hand me a pen of a ready writer, and say, “write this part down.” In the mountains, He provided the warmth, in the desert, He provided the water. Then He would hand me a megaphone, “it’s time to speak, it’s time to worship!” And while walking on this journey together, I knew I could trust Him to provide in every part and in every detail. In the change of direction and the valleys that are deep, Jesus gives every tool we need to overcome in those places. If we can truly enjoy sitting on our Father’s shoulder walking through this adventure- through this great and vast journey of unknowns, peace will be our guide, and the worry of the tomorrows will be swept away. No matter where your journey is leading you today, remember that God IS with you always, and will provide everything you need to get through the terrain. Trust Him, He loves you and will always be your guide.