May your 2021 be a magnificent adventure! According to Webster, the word adventure means several things. It can range from a dangerous or exciting incident to a delightful experience. Adventure also includes risk, being exposed to danger, or to venture. In 2020, our world faced unimaginable challenges, dangers, and risks! Some of us lost loved ones, friends, jobs; all of us lost at least some aspects of life as we knew it. Throughout 2021, we can transform dangers into delights in several ways.

We can expect God to work, regardless of circumstances. Spurgeon said, “No pinch shall ever arrive in your spiritual affairs in which Jesus Christ shall not be equal to the emergency, for your history has all been foreknown and provided for in Jesus.” When we believe God can provide our needs, we’ll rely on Him to guide our steps throughout life. And, relying on God, we’re willing to go forward into the unique adventure He has for us, knowing He wants to be original with His plan for our lives.

When dangers and risks occur in families and daunting relational challenges persist, it’s not necessarily possible to be “at peace” with everyone. As God’s Word explains, if possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). When we can’t be “at peace,” we can pray; we can bless those who hurt us and go forward, trusting all of life to Jehovah El Roi, the God who sees. Even in situations that feel impossible, we can experience internal peace, entrusting our souls to our Creator rather than to people who wound or confuse us. [For additional information about complex relationship concerns, you could read Bold Love by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman, or The Emotionally Destructive Relationship by Leslie Vernick.]

We can be intentional, choosing hope instead of fear. In 1901, hymn writer Maltbie D. Babcock described transforming life through believing:

This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad! 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13, ESV