Faith is an adventure, a roller coaster, and an experiment. It is most certainly not a dot-to-dot. Let me explain:
Faith is an Adventure
Hebrews 11, is referred to as, “The Hall of Faith.” It describes a group of men and women who, “Were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
Faith is not safe. One of the best descriptions of the adventurous side of faith, comes from the Narnia books. There is a memorable conversation between Lucy and Mr. Beaver, that goes like this:
“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
To have faith in God, is to embark on an adventure where safety is not guaranteed. [Tweet “Having faith in Christ is a good and worthy adventure, but it is not safe.”]
Faith is a Roller Coaster
The last few months, my wife and I have been praying and sharing our story like never before. New challenges have come our way,  and we are doing our best to tackle them head-on. More people are praying for our family than ever before. Jenny and I have experienced God’s goodness, and watched Him meet our needs. We have also come up against enormous roadblocks. Last week, Jenny was informed that in order to transition to a large, at home daycare, she would need to complete a 29 page home inspection, costing thousands of dollars.
After feeling overwhelmed for a time, our prayers were again answered when the city informed us that they had provided the wrong forms. The new list is much shorter, and more cost-effective. Brace yourself! [Tweet “The faith journey is filled with ups and downs. So press forward and never stop clinging to Christ.”]
Faith as an Experiment
I love the pictures of the classic mad-scientist, who are ready to combine two beakers of liquid. In these pictures, the scientists always have a happy, and mischievous expression on their faces. In an experiment, anything can happen, and once the beakers are combined, there is no turning back. The scientist might make a new discovery. The experiment could  explode. The are no guaranteed outcomes.
Faith is similar. God is not obligated to move in the same way twice. Your faith journey will be different from mine, and of those around you. Approach faith as a scientist would an experiment. There is no, single outcome, that must occur. Demanding that God work as we think He should, only leads to disappointment. Instead, allow God to lead you were He wants you to go. This isn’t always easy. My family and I understand this well. We are putting faith into action, living the unexpected, and learning to enjoy the ride. Faith truly is an experiment where anything can happen. The good news is that we are always in His loving hands.
Faith and Dot-to-Dots
In dot-to-dots, there is a predictable path. Begin at #1, move to #2, next find #3, and so on and so forth. About half-way through, a picture begins to take shape. Yet, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” You and I may not fully understand how we fit into God’s picture, this side of heaven. But by faith, we keep pressing forward, trusting Christ, knowing that He is leading us in the right direction.
Faith is an adventure, a roller-coaster, and an experiment. It is not safe. There are plenty of ups and downs along the way. And God may lead us down unexpected paths. Yet, in the end, faith is worth it. How would you best describe your faith right now? Are you experiencing the adventurous side of faith? Does following Christ feel like a roller-coaster ride? Or, are you experimenting, trusting God’s word, and waiting for Him to lead you where He wants you to go? I look forward to continuing the conversation in the comments below!
P.S. Thank you to everyone who helped launch: 131 Creative Conversations For Couples! Especially to those who have taken the time yo write a review! Here is what others are saying:
- “I like how the book comes on to you like a friend and encourages you to be kind and open up your heart with no conditions.”
~ Patrick - “If you’re looking to deepen your relationships, I would pick up a copy of this book today.”
~ Angela - “Great questions for a date or a long time married couple.”
~ Bill
I would love to add your review to the list!
- What did you like about the book?
- How did it enhance your date-night, conversations, or relationship?
- To whom would you recommend this book?
Family, Friendship, and Faith Link-Up
This link-up is an excellent place to meet new friends, network, and share your posts. Please feel free to include any family, friendship, and faith related posts. If you have time, please visit some of the other submissions, leave a comment, and make some new connections–after all, this is what teaming-up is all about!
Finally, I’d love it if you would grab a button for your site, or link back to the Family Friendship and Faith Fridays, link-up, in order to make it easy for others to join in!
[Tweet “I’m Teaming-up at the #Family #Friendship and #Faith link-up. Join the Party! “]
Happy Mother’s Day Jen!
Hey Jed, thanks for hosting another fabulous link party! Have a blessed weekend and please extend a Happy Mother’s Day greeting to Jenny.
Thank-you for this post. And that is one of my favorite quotes from the Narnia series. I come back to it often as I journey with God- not safe but good. Thanks!
Thanks for this today. My husband and I have been facing some daunting circumstances, and you’re so right…faith is NOT safe. But it’s always worth it in the end. We have found that to be true over and over again and we have confidence it will be no different this time around!
Thanks so much for the opportunity to link up!
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us to have faith regardless of the obstacles we face. Ravi Zacharais writes that “God often reinforces our faith after we trust him, not before.” A great encouragement to step out and believe! Congratulations on your book launch 🙂
Thanks Angela. What a great quote!
Thank you for hosting!
Have a wonderful weekend..Happy Mother’s Day to Jenny!
It’s an adventure – sometimes through the dark woods where it’s hard to see the light, and sometimes on the mountaintop where you are certain of God’s presence.
Yep, I’ve been to both. Very well said!
Happy Mother’s Day and faith is what keeps us going.
Amen! I love that you point out that Jesus doesn’t provide a ‘one size fits everybody’s journey’ experience. We all travel differently (reminds me of a line from C.S. Lewis’s ‘A Horse and His Boy’ ;)).
It’s one of my favorites in the series. I read it to my girls about a year ago, and read it quite a few times over the years, so it’s pretty fresh on my mind 🙂
Faith definitely isn’t safe, but it really is an awesome roller coaster! My life has been much more exciting following God’s plan than it ever would have been when left to my own devices.
Super, super post! Faith certainly is all of those things, and I like the dot-to-dot illustration – it’s certainly not that and it’s helpful to remember that or we become overwhelmed and frustrated when things don’t go as WE plan.
The metaphor I’ve used is like stepping stones that only appear when you’re at the end of the line. God rarely shows me more than a step or two at a time. But that is what makes it a leap of faith.
Thanks for a great link up Party!
Yes!! This is SO true. Faith is an adventure and we really don’t know what is ahead. Which, shouldn’t surprise us that “faith” is unpredictable but somehow it does. 🙂 “God is not obligated to do the same thing twice”, I love that quote!
There are so many words to describe faith huh? I love that even when we are faithless He is still faithful. <3
Hi,
Thanks for bringing your linkup to the Pit Stop.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
I love your quote: that having faith in God is not safe. You’re totally right! It’s scary and not always a “sure bet”. But it’s so worth it!
Hey Jed,
I like this statement in your post:
“Demanding that God work as we think He should, only leads to disappointment. Instead, allow God to lead you were He wants you to go.”
I’ve said it like this, with a similar idea:
“Faith is believing God will do what He promises to do, not what we ask Him to do.”
Hi,
I wanted to thank you for liking my call to action post. Thanks for the visit. I’ve seen you at Blogger’s Pit Stop I think.
Janice
Hey Janice,
It’s great to connect! I enjoyed your post & try to stop by The Bloggers Pit Stop at least once a week. It’s such a great place for resources & connection 🙂 Wishing you a happy Friday!
“Demanding that God work as we think He should, only leads to disappointment. Instead, allow God to lead you were He wants you to go. Faith truly is an experiment where anything can happen. The good news is that we are always in His loving hands.”
Yes, God’s love is my only consolation as I travel this path. It’s been trying and frustrating but I keep on trusting, knowing that He loves me and wants the best for me. But, He’s more interested in strengthening my character than my comfort. I appreciate this post!