DAY 2: "Why Do This At All?"

ENGAGING THOUGHT

So here you are at the edge of the cliff and maybe you truthfully have no idea how deep the abyss stretches or what waits at the bottom.  You've heard the old pessimist vs. optimist schtick before (glass half-full or glass half-empty).  Are you the type to assume the bottom of the ravine is filled with jagged rocks (waiting for you to be dashed upon, no doubt!), or do you have no problem imagining this to be the one ravine, the bottom of which holds the worlds largest open-air mattress and fluffy-pillow storage yard?  It could happen, right?  Every one of us has our own level of risk-tolerance: that amount of risk we are comfortable enduring.  We know there must be something at the bottom of the cliff - if only we knew what it was before we had to decide on jumping or not.  Not knowing makes jumping difficult, doesn't it?  Does not knowing what lays at the bottom mean it isn't worth the jump!

Taking this silly illustration to its furthest stretching-point: I believe we were created and designed to jump.  We were each created by God to perfectly fulfill His DREAM for us.  There are common elements to the DREAM that we all share together: restored relationship with Him through the person and work of Jesus Christ; a lifestyle that honors Him and displays our reverence toward Him; inviting others to discover His DREAM for their lives as well.  In the very first book of the Bible, Genesis we see God's declaration concerning the creation of mankind:

"So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them"                 (Genesis 1.27 TNIV). 

Stop and think about that for a second.  If God made us in His own image, and He does nothing randomly or without careful intent, doesn't it follow that He'd carry that same intentionality and purposefulness into our design?  God is also a risk-taker - after all, He didn't force mankind to worship and glorify Him - He asked that we do so.  That's risky! 

The majority of the elements of the DREAM, however, are absolutely unique to each of us - and we are the only ones that can truly live them out.  Let the full implications of this sink in for a moment: you are the only person who can fulfill that portion of God's DREAM.  One of Israel's earliest kings, David, wrote some of the most poignant and beautiful verses detailing much of our relationship with God.  Such as these:

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" (Psalms 139.14-16 TNIV). 

Now, engage with this thought as we run with our cliff-edge imagery: the height of the cliff, the nature of the journey down, even the conditions at the bottom do not change the fact that we were made for jumping.

If we're willing to trust God and His DREAM for our lives - then the only risk is in missing out on what He has for us.  It's only risky if we choose to live our lives contrary to our God-designed purpose.       

ACTION STEP

It's human nature to pick role models or heroes and admire them.  We do it in most every area of human endeavor.  Throughout your life you've probably identified individuals that you have defined as "living the dream."  

Pick one or two specific individuals that you have admired for their ability to "succeed" at life.  Write out some of the specific things about them that you wish were characteristics of your life.

ALTERNATIVE: If you could push a button and have two or three specific characteristics "downloaded" into your life, what would they be?  Why those? 

Tomorrow we'll identify the differences between a DREAM, a FANTASY, and a WISH.