Childhood #8 – Growing through Adventure
Childhood is a season marked by curiosity, discovery, and adventure. It is a time of trying new things, testing boundaries, experiencing life for the first time, and learning who can be trusted. Children discover what they enjoy, what they fear, what inspires them, and what stretches them. In many ways, the same pattern is true in our spiritual lives.
The importance of growing through adventure cannot be underestimated in discipleship. What helps us grow naturally in life often helps us grow spiritually as well. Healthy spiritual childhood should include wonder, exploration, learning, and stepping into new experiences with God.
Yet all too often, a certain conservatism can surround faith development. We may unintentionally communicate that following Jesus is primarily about caution, routine, and staying safe. While wisdom is certainly needed, a faith that never stretches itself becomes stagnant. When we are young disciples—or when we are helping young disciples grow—it is critically important to encourage curiosity, initiative, and fresh encounters with God.
How do we learn the magnificence and majesty of God unless we seek Him? How do we understand His power and grace unless we trust Him? How do we experience His joy, peace, and love unless we engage with Him personally?
I will never forget one of the first times I sensed the Lord prompting me to do something outside of my comfort zone. For me, it felt extraordinary. Questions immediately flooded my mind. How could I be sure it was God? What if I made a fool of myself? What if God did not come through? Doubt can be loud whenever faith is invited to move.
Yet other thoughts pressed in quietly but persistently: What if this really is God? What if He is asking me to step out of the proverbial boat? How will I ever know unless I trust Him enough to try?
Peter faced a similar moment when he saw Jesus walking on the water. He said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus simply said, “Come.” Peter had to choose whether he would remain in the boat or step into the impossible.
Faith begins where certainty ends. It is not reckless presumption, but willing obedience. The writer of Hebrews reminds us repeatedly that faith is demonstrated through action. Again and again, people trusted God enough to move, obey, build, leave, go, speak, endure, and believe.
In the childhood phase of discipleship, we should do all we can to cultivate a spirit of adventurous faith. We should encourage stepping out of the boat consistently—trying new ways to pray, sharing testimonies, serving others, obeying promptings of the Holy Spirit, trusting God in challenges, and believing Him for what is beyond us.
Adventure with God does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it is as simple as forgiving someone, praying aloud for the first time, initiating a spiritual conversation, giving generously, or obeying in an area long resisted. Sometimes faith is large – like committing to a large offering, denying a job because it would draw you away from the Lord, going to Bible college… Whatever the size God is calling you to, remember, every act of faith enlarges the heart.
If we never leave the boat, we may stay dry—but we will never walk on water.
Spiritual childhood is a wonderful season to discover that life with Jesus is not dull, predictable, or lifeless. It is an unfolding adventure of trust, growth, and grace. The Christian life is characterised by faith, faith is the ‘currency’ of God and we are to learn it in the Childhood phase of our discipleship!
Reflection Questions
When was the last time you stepped out in faith and trusted God beyond your comfort zone?
What “boat” of safety or routine might God be asking you to step out of today?
How has fear or over-caution limited your spiritual growth?
How can you help a younger believer take faith-filled steps of adventure in faith?
Who is someone in spiritual childhood that you could encourage this week to try something new with God?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that following You is an adventure of faith.
Forgive me for the times I have chosen comfort over trust and safety over obedience. Give me courage to step out when You call, wisdom to discern Your voice, and joy in walking with You. Help me to grow in faith and to encourage others to trust You as well. Amen.
Call to Action
This week, take one deliberate step outside your spiritual comfort zone. Obey a prompting, begin a conversation, serve someone, trust God in an area of fear, give a generous offering — and watch what He will do.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
