When my buddy, "Little" Joe, was 18-months-old, he would climb fearlessly onto the chairs at church, check out the elevated view, explore the world from new angles, and announce his triumph with squeals of delight. Clearly this little guy was not afraid to try new things. He did not worry about falling, taking the wrong steps or what the future held. He just went for it, toddling boldly forth, full-steam ahead. Now and then Joe would glance at his father's outstretched arms, but only for a second. Reassured, he would move forward, a pioneer on the move. Why hesitate?! His father was guarding him. It was his moment to climb! It was time to discover new worlds and try new things.

Joe's adventuresome spirit helps me picture the freedom we have to try new things for the sake of God's mission because our heavenly Father is guarding us. While I often ask God to guide me in my Kingdom work, I seldom think about the way he also guards me. Yet, according to Philippians 4:6-7, this is exactly what he does. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

God's protection gives us a wonderful freedom to move forward, to explore new angles and try new things. Philippians 4:8-9 encourages us to look to God for inspiration, noble lessons and new ideas we can put into practice: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

I tend to like to "play it safe." But in the spirit of my friend Joe, I intend to try some new things for the sake of God's mission. How about you? What adventures are awaiting you? What chairs - or mountains - are before you? Why hesitate? Our Father's arms are outstretched. He is guarding us. Let us toddle forth boldly, full-steam ahead. It's our moment to climb!

2011 © Jeanne M. Burger