The LORD said to Moses, "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan … " — Numbers 13:1-2
Even though I never put it on my resume, I always wanted to be an explorer. The idea of trekking across Greenland with just a dog, a sled and a .38 caliber pistol to find the Magnetic North Pole, or working my way through steaming jungles to find the headwaters of the Nile, or hiking through the Andes in search of lost treasure — these things always appealed to me.
Of course, exploring is risky business. There are polar bears and army ants, hidden crevasses in the ice and huge Canaanites in the land.
Even though God knows all the risks, He still sends us out to explore.
Why?
Doesn’t He know that Christianity is about being safe and comfortable and not upsetting the applecart?
Apparently not.
Evidently, He figures the discoveries that await us are worth the risks we endure. Yes, we might be eaten by cannibals or fall through a hole in the ice, but the reward is greater than all those risks. Or, more to the point with most of us, yes, our friends may think we are fools, we may lose our money and our reputation, but those are small things compared to the great adventure with God. Better to risk it all in a valiant attempt, then to stay safe when God says go.
So here’s to the great adventure. Lord, may You enjoy our company as we set out to explore the land with You.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
To find out more about Dwight Clough, his books, his ministry, or to receive this devotional via email visit DwightClough.com. Dwight and his wife Kim are active members of Lake City Church in Madison.