Wow! It’s difficult to think that the year is coming to an end. Today, as we approach another 365 days of fun and adventure, I want to remind you that God is writing a magnificent tale in and through your life!

You are on a pilgrimage with Jesus that will mold and form you, although it will be challenging at times. To compare, Joseph Campbell wrote an excellent book called Hero With a Thousand Faces in the 1920s. He expands on the idea of the monomyth, or hero’s journey, in this work, claiming that most myths are grand adventures with similar themes and components. Several fundamental components may be found in successful works of literature and film in our culture. To begin with, you have a hero who is living his (or her) day-to-day existence in very ordinary conditions, often fighting to get by. The hero is then plunged into a world of wonder by a series of events, either catastrophic or provoked. He makes friends there, but he also faces a struggle that is far bigger than anything he could have anticipated. The hero emerges victorious despite being nearly crushed by the scenario, and this becomes his defining moment — the event that shapes his character and defines who he is. Following his great victory, he returns home with boons, or some kind of blessing that conveys the world of wonder from which he rose to the common people from which he came. Despite the fact that many stories do not follow this pattern, those that do are a huge success. Why? Because this is exactly what we all go through in life, and it is your life in Christ Jesus!

Friend, God leads you to a life that is genuinely extraordinary, and He shows you a world filled with wonder. However, with the magnificence of your calling, there is always a crucible; something you will encounter that will be incredibly tough. Thankfully, you will emerge victorious as a result of your overcoming power in Christ, and what was meant for evil will be turned around and utilized to shape your character and make you a source of strength to people around you. This is your tale, now and every day in the following year, so leave the shire and embrace the fullness of Jesus’ incredible plan for you!