There are few things that invoke a massive flood of adrenaline and an exciting sense of adventure as the words “I dare you!” The figurative gauntlet being thrown down. The insinuated question: “Do you have the nerve to take this challenge?”
When I was 6 someone dared me to eat a live worm. I gained a little protein and a sick sense of accomplishment. Emphasis on sick. 😉 When I was 9 someone dared me to jump into a tank with dolphins at a show in Orlando. I came so close that I could feel myself complying but didn’t. To this day I regret not taking that dare. When I was 18 someone dared me to jump off a 72-foot cliff into water. I broke my sternum.
Taking dares can push you out of a comfort zone in a variety of ways, but guaranteed, there will be some change in you that takes place – whether the change is mental, emotional, physical or spiritual. As a follower of Jesus, so many of life’s moments yield spiritual lessons. During the course of my personal Bible study this week, I felt Jesus saying, “I dare you!” Because I am a giver, I thought I would share the dare. 🙂
To begin, further and/or deepen a relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we use a variety of methods. We spend time with those who are ahead of us, or alongside us, in their pursuit of knowing more about God. We read Bible passages, hear lessons from speakers/theologians, read blogs or books, and/or we listen to worship music where we may wave our hands in the air, maybe even squeezing out a tear, a gut-wrenching wail, or dancing a delightful dance. But then what? By these means we are comforted, encouraged, challenged…and then what? Do we spend a moment in heightened emotion only to forget it in the next?
Experiencing one of these glorious moments, I felt a nudge to ask myself, “How do I stay here?” “What changes do I need to make to perpetuate this?” “What things do I need to pay more attention to?” It occurred to me: if I don’t ask these questions, then I have just encountered a mere spark, a mere flash of the radiance of Christ. And then comes the dare: Make the changes that come to mind! When we dig deeper into what gives us an overwhelming awareness of the magnificence of Almighty God – even if for a moment, and respond to the things that can keep us in that place, the spark is fanned into a flame, which can then become a fire that shines His glory brighter, for us and those around us!
Sometimes, the changes that come to mind are so small and insignificant I am ashamed that I haven’t already made the changes. And I hear – “I dare you.”
Sometimes, the changes are so large that I don’t know where to start or where it will ultimately take me. I may feel myself moving toward doing it, but I chicken out. “I dare you.”
Sometimes, the changes will bring certain hardship or ridicule. “I dare you.”
The change will ALWAYS yield an affirmation and assurance from God that overwhelms my trepidation and fills me with radiant joy!
When we experience something that creates a dramatic change in our day-to-day, whether easy or difficult, we should ask ourselves: why did God put me in this situation or place? What is my task? How can I shine His radiance? If we focus inwardly and dwell on the difficulty, we miss the opportunity to shine His light outwardly to those who are discouraged, or worse, do not have His hope.
In Psalm 90, Moses gives us a snapshot of a life lived in submission to the God who promises so much more than our day-to-day. He says, yep, this life will be tough. Be more surprised when it is not. But be glad for each day, use each and every one for My glory, and reveal My splendor to those who come after you. Eternal satisfaction awaits, and it is MAGNIFICENT!
Psalm 90: 12-17
If you are homebound, who are you clinging to? Praying for? Writing to? Encouraging?
If you are sick, do you abide in the transcendent hope that is available to you and those around you? Do others see that in you?
If you are heartsick, do you sing praise because you had the privilege to know an incredible happiness in order to feel its void so deeply?
If you are ecstatic, do you and those around you know the source of all wisdom, power, energy and joy?
A brother in Christ asked: What do you want to see happen in your or others’ lives before you die? What small step could you take toward that purpose today? I dare you!
