One of the biggest phobias of Americans is boredom. We despise being bored! We seek all kinds of entertainments and distractions to keep from being bored.
If you want the ultimate boredom-killer, follow Jesus! Live for Him every day. Represent Him well before others with your life and words and you’ll never be bored!
I realize in writing this article that it will not appeal to all. For there are many who shy away from risk, possible danger and hardship. If that describes you, then a life of following Jesus is probably not for you.
You see, Jesus warned us, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) He also explained, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) And, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20)
On their first missionary journey, the apostles Paul and Barnabas traveled through a large geographical area telling people about Jesus. They urged the people to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus for forgiveness of sins and to follow Him.
Paul and Barnabas met with some severe persecution along the way, but that didn’t deter them. In one town, Paul was even stoned. Thinking him dead, the people dragged his body out of the city. Yet, when Paul and Barnabas had finished their preaching circuit, they traveled back through all those towns and villages, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” (Acts 14:22)
Despite the severe persecution Paul and Barnabas experienced along the way, countless men, women and children came to faith in Jesus. (We find out in Acts 16, that a young man named Timothy lived in one of those towns and had come to faith.)
Following Jesus is the great adventure of life!
Deep down, I think we all crave adventure—not merely to beat boredom, but to count for something in the short span of time we spend on this globe.
We admire—even envy—great adventurers like Ernest Shackleton, David Livingston, Amelia Erhardt, Sir Edmond Hillary, Elizabeth Elliott, and Lewis and Clark. They all accomplished what few do, but many long to do.
Obviously, we cannot repeat their “firsts.” However, each of us has a unique story. There’s no one else in the world—even in history—with your story, your gifts, your personality. You and I are uniquely positioned and endowed to do what no one else can do in the power of the Holy Spirit.
God calls each of us to an adventure with Him. And when we embark on this adventure, others look to us and find courage and faith to follow Him too. As my friend, Perry likes to say, “Courage is contagious.”
On the website: www.skillsforfollowingjesus.com, I’ve issued a Big Challenge. The Big Challenge didn’t originate with me, it’s the challenge Jesus left us with when He ascended into heaven. For many, The Big Challenge to disciple others will be the stepping-off point on this great adventure in following Jesus. Will you join me and so many others who have already chosen to embark on this adventure with Jesus? Go to the website and click the link “I accept the Big Challenge” and watch where God takes you!
©2019 Rob Fischer