Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16 (NIV)

 

The Need for a Challenge

 

The disciples had tried to talk Jesus out of going to Judea because there was imminent danger waiting there for him. But when Thomas realized that Jesus was determined to go against their advice and head to Judea, he rushed to the front line.

 

Men have always run to stressful situations and to danger. It may be that we have an actual need to do so.

 

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley did an experiment some time ago demonstrating the apparent need for some level of danger or stress in life. The experiment involved introducing an amoeba into a perfectly stress-free environment in which it had to make no adjustments what-soever: ideal temperature, optimal concentration of moisture, and a constant food supply.

 

You would think that would have been one happy little amoeba. Whatever stress that gives amoebas ulcers and high blood pressure was gone from its environment.

 

Yet oddly enough, it died.'

 

Apparently all living creatures require challenges in the same way we require food and air. Too much comfort will keep us from thriving and could even kill us.

 

Few men live in a completely stress-free and safe environment. Yet when we are in an environment that challenges us, God moves in and through us in a way he couldn't in a "safe" situation.

 

Lord, give me enough danger to challenge me but not so much that I shrink back out of fear.

 

Taken from “Devotions for Men on the Go” by Stephen Arterburn and Bill Farrel May 27