Turn Your Challenges into the Greatest Adventure
When Gene and I got married, I thought I loved adventure—but by the time Jason was in his pre-teen years, watching the way my husband and son engaged in new experiences, I realized I had a lot to learn. We lived near Lake Huron, and my guys greatly enjoyed our secondhand Sunfish sailboat—falling off, getting up again, trying over and over to stay atop the rough waves. They loved hiking in Canadian provincial parks and running or taking long bike rides together.
One summer our family made a trip out west to Yosemite National Park. We rented a cabin and got settled before our explorations would begin the next day. Gene and Jason laid out our gear—caps, sunglasses, snacks, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent—so we could get an early start. The next morning, following a pancake breakfast, we were off to climb to the top of Lower Yosemite Falls. The weather was perfect, and the path was level and easy for the first mile; however, the second mile was exhausting—all uphill. But we were psyched for the trip, and every so often heard Jason yelling, “Hey, Mom and Dad, come and look at the view. This is awesome!”
We finally reached the summit and saw a panorama of breathtaking beauty. It was invigorating to feel the spray from the Lower Falls and hear the distant roar of the Upper Falls. Jason was energized, and Gene said, “It’s only two more miles to the top of the Upper Falls. Can we do it?” We agreed to try.
Two miles of switchbacks made this trail much more grueling. The sun was hot, and we were sweating profusely. It took three more hours to reach our new destination, where we heard the deafening sound of the Upper Falls. We were surprised to learn that the edge of the falls wasn’t fenced off and walking to that point was not forbidden. Gene and Jason discovered pipes embedded in the rock, allowing hikers to hold on, lean over the falls, and take in the view—about a half mile above the valley floor! (I didn’t join them for that part of the adventure.)
There was a pool near the edge of the falls just before the water plunged over the cliff. As we relaxed nearby, I noticed a sign that said, “If You Swim in These Waters, You Will Die!” We laughed about the bluntness of the warning. That would be more adventure than we cared to pursue.
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Adventure is a unique word. It means “an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks.” It can also refer to an exciting or remarkable experience. You and I have certainly experienced the “exciting or remarkable” adventures—some have included personal successes, proud family moments, and dreams for the future. However, our experience with the incarceration of a family member has often felt like a frightening foray into dangerous, risky places. There have been times when I cried out the Bible verse, “Rise up and help us; rescue us” (Psalm 44:26).
Like it or not, we’re on a journey that will only end in God’s good time. So how can we put the dangerous and frightening part of this adventure behind us, and move into the exciting and remarkable part of our journey with God?
- Get to know Him more personally by studying the Bible. “I gain understanding from your precepts” (Psalm 119:104).
- Follow His guidelines for living a life that matters. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:8).
- Look for ways we can assist others and expect the result to be joyful. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).
“The only way to live in this adventure—with all its danger and unpredictability and immensely high stakes—is an ongoing, intimate relationship with God.” – John Eldridge
Our personal and spiritual adventures often take us down unanticipated paths, and we find obstacles that seem to stand in the way of our happiness. However, when we look back in the rearview mirror of time, we realize that each barrier simply challenged us to get to know God more intimately. Only then can we see Him dispelling our fears and pushing us toward a different adventure than we first anticipated.
Question: What is the most frightening part of your journey right now? How can I pray for you and what verse are you clinging to?
Travel with Carol Kent on the “Footsteps of Paul” trip to Greece on September 8-16, 2025, with an optional Israel extension on September 16-20, 2025. For more information, email carol@carolkent.org.
Please pray for me. Our home has been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. We are attempting to rebuild our home and get our life back.
Dear Karen…I can only imagine the devastation you are experiencing due to the hurricane–it’s unimaginable and so difficult. I’m praying that God will surround you with resources and people who will help during this life altering experience. I know God is close to the brokenhearted and I’m asking him to bring you comfort and tangible help.
Hello Carol, I really did enjoy your conference this past weekend here at LLOC. I have lots of fears, but one of them is not praying the way that I would love for my words to come out. It just seems like I’m always just having a conversation with God and just my normal every day language. I want to be able to pray with others who are going through hard times and have the right words and if they’re not saved or are not a Christian that I want to be able to say the right thing to draw them closer to him. I hear others pray and their prayers are beautiful and through our 21 days of prayer at LLOC I’m learning or I’m trying to learn to be able to pray for those who are lost or sick. If you have any encouraging words, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, I do have a history from that I dealt with for many years of sexual abuse and physical abuse, and I always say that I let it go. I laid it up the altar, I laid it at the feet of Jesus, but there are days that it all comes back and it’s like I’ve not gotten rid of it so if you could help me with that, that would be awesome. I pray you have a good week and hopefully I’ll get to see you again. Blessings to you and your family. I will be keeping you and your husband and your son in my prayers. I know what it’s like to have somebody incarcerated even if he was able to get out it was still very very hard and I just pray that your life will continue to be a blessing to others.
Hi Belinda…it was a GREAT conference–and I am still amazed that so many women were able to attend, even though some of them were still without electricity following the hurricane.
Regarding praying out loud for others, don’t worry about whether or not the words flow smoothly out of your mouth. Your compassion for the person you’re praying for and your words being lifted up in prayer will ministry to the person you’re praying over in a powerful way. The wording of the prayer doesn’t need to sound perfect. I’m so sorry about all of the abuse you have been through in the past. I fully understand how we can lay something on the altar, and then try to pick it up again the next day. After all these years, I believe God may want us to lay some things on the altar every day. I’m praying for you right now, Belinda–that God will heal you from past hurts and give you great joy in the future. Thanks for writing.
Midway through his 1st year my grandson began exhibiting signs that he might be handicapped. His pediatrician noticed many delays at his one year check up. She sent him to a pediatric neurologist. That appointment was last Thursday. They did genetic testing for 45 conditions/diseases. He is to see a pediatric opthalmologist on Nov 6 and had an MRI on Dec 9. He is also to have PT for his delays. Please pray as we wait on all the tests and a diagnosis. Thank you
Gail, I’m praying right now that any condition that’s found will be diagnosed correctly and that God will lead your family to the right physician/s. I know that “waiting” is so hard and I’m praying that God will cover you with His peace.
Having trouble breathing and have been on a medical journey for past 6 months. They just found nodules on my lungs. I’m 73 live alone have to work and I am scared!
Dear Regina…thank you for sharing this important need for prayer. I’m praying for you right now–that God will heal your physical body and that He will bring you the medical and personal support you need during this difficult journey. I’m also asking everyone who reads this comment to join me in praying for you. Hold on to Isaiah 41:10.
Diagnosed with breast cancer. Holding on to Proverbs 3:5-6 as I search out my options for surgery & treatment. Being a widow, I have no family where I live so I need help from friends & others. Praying for God’s divine guidance.
Precious Louise…You are a remarkable woman of faith and I’m praying for wise medical advice regarding your treatment. I’m also praying that God will surround you with friends who will be like family in the middle of this challenging time. You are also a gifted writer. As you have strength, document this journey and pour out your heart on the computer keyboard. I’m lifting you up to the Lord in prayer right now.
You know i know God is good and able yet sometime I don’t understand his plan or what he is doing. Yet I choose to trust him all the way believing Jeremiah 29:11 and that all things work together to them who love God and that are called for his purpose
Kevia, thank you for this powerful reminder from Romans 8:28. I’m praying for you today.
Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis last October. Leaning into know God more and thankful for my treatments and my care team, including my husband, who doesn’t miss an appointment. Doing well and just asking God for healing, strength, and more time on this earth with my family. Proverbs 3:5-8 has been my verses to cling to. I watercolor and hope God uses it on some way, since I had to step away from my career as a teacher.
Oh, Mary…that’s a harsh diagnosis and I’m praying that God will give you strength for each day and that His Word will continue to provide comfort and encouragement. I’m also praising God for your encouraging husband. It makes such a difference to have the support of our loved ones. I’m praying that you experience God’s presence and peace.
Dear Carol,
I am alone because my husband died 2 1/2 months ago from cancer, we had been married 42 years. I have been taking time off from work to try to work things out. I live by myself and have wonderful neighbors. I keep reminding myself “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” I go back to work next week which will be stressful but praying God will give me strength to handle it. Thanks for your wonderful devotion.
Dear Ruth…I’m praying for you during this time of great loss. I’m so glad you have wonderful neighbors. It means a lot to have supportive people nearby. I’m praying that God gives you comfort, peace, and encouragement as you return to work next week. Zephaniah 3:17 has been a comfort to me. Thank you for your note.