Daily Devotions
On Playing it Safe
Reading for May 14th: 2 Chronicles 13-17
Weekly reading for May 10-16: Acts 20-24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24
John Goddard was a dreamer. At 15 years of age he made a list of 127 life goals. They were not easy. They included exploring the longest rivers of the world. He was the first to explore the entire length of the Nile, traveling the whole 4200 miles in a Kayak.
He wanted to study primitive cultures in 12 different areas in the world. He lived with 260 different tribal groups in 120 countries.
He wanted to climb the world's major mountains. He climbed the Matterhorn in a blizzard so severe that the professional climbers wouldn't go.
Goal 40 was to fly a plane. H's flown 47 types of aircraft, setting civilian air-speed records (including one at 1,500 miles an hour). He flew an F-106 to an altitude of 63,000 feet!
Goal 47 was to retrace the travels of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great.
Goal 101 was to run a 5 minute mile.
Goal 104 was to learn French, Spanish, and Arabic.
Goal 109 was to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica.
Gaol 118 was to light a match with a .22 rifle.
In just over 60 years, Goddard has accomplished all but 18 of his 127 goals. Goal 127 (perhaps the loftiest) was to live to see the 21st century. He survived plane crashes, earthquakes, a sandstorm, three rounds with quicksand, near drowning (twice), and an appendicitis attack 200 miles from the nearest health facility. He was bitten by a diamond back snake, charged by hippos, crocodiles, etc. In all, he came close to death 38 times.
As disciples we too often, we play it safe. We avoid danger. We're allergic to suffering. We prefer comfort and security. We like to be spectators. We'd rather avoid the arena.
BUT THERE'S NOTHING SAFE ABOUT BEING A DISCIPLE! Following Jesus means taking up a cross (Mk 8:34).
And there's nothing safe about that.
Father, give us a view of the upward calling of Christ Jesus. Grant us courage that we might leave our comfort zones and live sacrificial lives for Christ.
