An Easter dare

I once read the following and it forever changed my life: Attempt something so big that if it is not from God it is doomed to fail.

That’s a scary thought for those of us who want to be in control – or at least think we’re in control – of our lives. But what if we dared more and realized all that God could do in and through us?

The truth is that we often find ourselves on the edge of our destiny, faced with the opportunity to throw off the familiar and step out into the unknown to achieve a dream. But just as our destiny beckons, fear comes knocking on our door. Fear is not a respecter of persons. It knocks softly at first and then more loudly until you give up or give in. Fear can overwhelm our faith.

But sometimes it isn’t fear that derails us. While many of us live our lives too cautiously, many more of us live our lives unconsciously.

It isn’t that our decisions are fear-driven, but rather habit-driven.

Whether it’s fear or habit, the result is the same—we settle for less than the life we’re meant to live. We believe that “good enough” really is good enough.

But we’re mean for more than good enough. We’re meant for spectacular.

Ephesians 3:20 says that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” In John 10:10, Scripture tells us that Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. That is a whole lot more than just “good enough.”

We are just days away from Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. Easter is the ultimate expression of something that only God can accomplish. Easter should inspire us to dare much in God’s service, knowing that the One who vanquished the grave can surely accomplish great things in and through us.

In these last remaining days of Lent, a time of reflection and repentance, consider what God is calling you to dare for Him.

Take the time to consider what is stopping you from living the life of meaning and purpose that God wants for you.

If it is fear, acknowledge it, face it, and move forward in faith.

If it is complacency, use the days leading up to Sunday to shake the dust off of your soul and pray for the faith you need to live more purposefully.

Attempt something so big that, if God is not in it, it is doomed to fail. In doing so, you’ll be part of the miraculous and God will be given all of the glory.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Easter.

Joanne Ellison is the founder of national non-profit Drawing Near to God based in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., she helps Christian women navigate their way around the distractions of life and into the presence of God.