Dreams and risks and comfort zones…….

Exploring Canaan

God commands Moses to send a leader from each ancestral tribe ahead to explore Canaan. To travel out of their comfort zone and into the unknown. Into the land of their dreams, the wonderful future that God had in store for His people. And this is what they were to look for –

See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.  Numbers 13:18-20

(A bit like when we moved to the NorthEast and Andy came up to choose a house without me – long story – What do the neighbours seem like? How big is the garden? How far is it to the Primary School? What local shops are there? Can you imagine us living there?)

So they went. And after 40 days, they returned. With a cluster of grapes carried on a pole between two men and some pomegranates and figs. And their findings? –

• the land does flow with milk and honey!
• the people are powerful
• the cities are fortified and very large

It’s great, but…….It’s perfect for us, except that……

Caleb is all for going for it. The others, not so much. They were afraid: afraid to move on, afraid to take the risk, afraid to lead the people into the unknown.

So they spread rumours about how bad it was –

The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.  Numbers 13;32

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

And so they were. The community raised their voices and wept aloud and grumbled –

“If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”   Numbers 14:2-3

Let’s go back. Let’s stick with what we know. Let’s not take the risk. Yes, it wasn’t great and yes, this could be better, but what if it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? What if it’s worse? ‘Better the devil you know’ and all that.

Moses and Aaron cannot believe their ears. They fall face down on the ground. Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes. You can almost hear their frustration –

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”  Numbers 14:7-9

What are you playing at? This is the best thing ever! We’ll never get another opportunity like this. This is all we have dreamed of. We can do this.

So what do your dreams look like?

• to leave a secure job and set up your own business
• to travel far away
• to become a writer/actor/photographer…..
• to foster or adopt
• to buy an outfit from a different shop
• to throw a party
• to climb Everest
• to buy yourself flowers every week
• to change departments at work
• to run into the sea fully clothed
• to get a dog
• to learn how to dance/sing/play an instrument
• to volunteer in a refugee camp or an orphanage
• to build a shed
• other:………………………………………………

However, it’s so easy to live in a comfort zone and settle for an easy comfortable life. No risks. Dreams are just that – dreams. Even if we start to voice our dreams, there’s always someone to tell us why it’s a bad idea, to point out the dangers, to pour water on the flickering flames of our enthusiasm (accompanied by the negative voices in our head that will defy change at all costs).

What will you do for money?

What if it all goes horribly wrong?

What if people think you are a fool?

What if you fail?

What if your friends don’t like you any more?

What if you change – in a bad way?

What if you get hurt (physically or emotionally)?

What if you let your family down?

What if you don’t like it?

What if you’re successful?

What if you’re not successful?

What if you’re too old/young/unfit/stupid/unco-ordinated/average?

 

It’s irresponsible. It’s selfish. It’s indulgent.

It’s not for you. It’s for other people. You’re fine just the way you are.

 

But living life to the full is about taking risks. It’s about stepping out of a comfort zone into the Promised Land. You know all the positive speak….living without risk is not living at all……to walk on water, you have to step out of the boat…..etc. Life is full of amazing opportunities. There’s a wonderful world out there. Dreams are waiting to become realities.

Try saying ‘I can…’ and see where it takes you today.

 

To finish for today, here’s a poem a friend shared on her Facebook wall 7 hours ago that sums it all up perfectly –

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.