What if the most important scavenger hunt of all is more than party fun or a community activity? What if God, the Designer of Life, wants us to be about a very special scavenger hunt?
Portland, Oregon is well known for its locally-sourced food venues, but also for fun self-led scavenger hunts. Participants head out into the city with a list of 15 clues.
ScavengerHunt.com makes it simple to participate: Players simply click on a launch code, head to the starting line, and set afoot whenever they’ve got two hours to spare. Guided by clues sent to their smartphone, they’ll discover hidden gems while getting fun stories and insights about historical sites they encounter.
An Adventure Awaits Us
This got me thinking about the adventure that awaits us and the discovery of secrets in our own lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 If we believe this Scripture passage means what it says, we should long to discover the clues that move us into God’s incredible plan.
The first clue
Let’s ask ourselves what did Jesus do? He was one in-the-know guy certain of God’s plan for His life. We would soon conclude Jesus knew the Father and confided in Him daily. We, too, will make better decisions when we are students of God’s word.
The second clue
Ask ourselves: What am I good at doing? Our life purpose will typically fall in line with our individual gifting. For me, words are enjoyable. I like to read, write, and encourage people. A game of Scrabble makes my day delightful. My husband, on the other hand, is a people helper who can fix things with his hands. Tools make him a happy guy.
Clue three is about temple cleaning
Is there something in me that is suppressing God’s perfect plan for my life? There was a time when Jesus cleared the temple. Some tables were turned over and the house of worship was set aright. Do you realize that once we accept Jesus in our hearts, our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit? Christ now lives in us. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
Cleaning house means removing the dirt that keeps us from seeing God’s sweetest plan. Perhaps it’s a heart of unforgiveness, an addiction, poor choices with money, or any departure from the known will of God. Whatever the filth, God’s grace is big enough to sweep it clean. All He wants is for us to repent and turn those from untidy ways.
Clue four is only found by being observant
What opportunities are before me? Divine appointments happen when we least expect them. Do I recognize them or avoid getting involved? A stranger asks for directions; a neighbor could use a kind word today. Where can I put my God-given gifts to work?
Are you ready for the starting line? The most important scavenger hunt is the one God has purposely designed for us. Best of all, the clues lead to hidden gems and a happy ending.
