“Just beyond the edge of settled territory”
“Moving beyond the safe, predictable life afforded by this world, into an adventure that spans both earth and eternity”
“Saying yes to God’s vision, trusting His perspective more than our own”
Welcome to a life of faith, of confident hope, of blessed assurance, of living the gospel no matter what the cost. On this frontier, we discover both wilderness and wonder. It’s unpredictable, uncharted, unfamiliar—sometimes teeming with life, other times desolate. Our deep struggles give way to epic victories, our painful sacrifices somehow go hand in hand with our most joyous celebrations. Out here, we take nothing for granted; we know that daily faithfulness counts, and we anticipate resistance.
Heroes of faith cut the first trails long ago, through mountains of persecution and valleys of doubt, believing God against impossible odds and in the midst of improbable circumstances. They said YES when few others would. Hebrews 11 reports that those early pioneers, by faith,
… overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back from death (Hebrews 11:33-35 NLT).
To get started on the journey, and to see all that God has in store for our future, we don’t need a map, a guarantee, or a whole lot of answers. We just need faith to cross the mountains, and even to move them, if necessary.
Faith not in ourselves, nor in simply the idea of faith, but faith firmly established in God, who can do great things, unexpected things, more than we could ask or imagine. Our faith isn’t evidenced by bravado or emotion, but rather, by a simple, humble yes to God. That’s our first step, and we can take it together, right now.
Crossing the Faith Frontier Requires RISK
Nothing of significance ever happens apart from someone taking a risk.
When the settlers of the American West ventured out in wagon trains to cross the Great Plains and to conquer the Rocky Mountains, they knew they’d be facing storms, fording rivers, and risking life and limb many times in pursuit of their dream. If the road had been easy, many more would have traversed it.
But as it was, only a few had the courage to leave “Eastern comforts” to follow the golden sunset. The faith frontier is the same, where risks abound and rewards are yet to come. There are plenty of would-be pioneers who are paralyzed by fear, whose doubts and questions hold them back from answering Jesus’ simple call, “Follow Me!”
But Lord, what about …? What if …? How will …? Why would …? Do I really have to …?
Jesus invites us, in no uncertain terms, to surrender our worry, and instead to seek God’s kingdom first. Imagine the sticker shock experienced by Peter, James, Martha, and others when Jesus laid out the real cost of discipleship:
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it (Luke 9:24).
This means, in effect, that playing it safe is actually the biggest risk. Over-thinkers and perennial worriers are making a tragic tradeoff—trusting their eyes more than God’s, believing their wisdom above His. Jesus was right, of course: The safest place to be in eternity’s view is out on the faith trail, not holed up among the temporary securities of this world.
- Am I willing to say yes to God even when I can’t see the final outcome?
- Am I willing to live by faith rather than by sight?
- Whether I stand or fall, win or lose, experience joy or suffer loss in this life, will I still surrender to Jesus?
- In what area of my life do I need to offer a fresh yes to God?