If an adventure is a bold, usually risky undertaking; a hazardous action of uncertain outcome — as the dictionary defines it — it may not be for everyone.

I admit that I am not the most adventurous person. I like routine, predictability and security. But deep down there lurks a desire to live a life that exceeds mediocrity. To do something extraordinary. To impact lives.

The problem we encounter is how to live an adventurous life amid our daily routines. How do we a achieve a heart-pounding, daring, above-average life when our calendars demand time at work, Little League practice, board meetings, piles of laundry and hours of homework? We rarely find time to change the oil in our cars, let alone skydive, deep-sea fish or bungee jump.

But the adventurous life to which God calls us exceeds these death-defying, athletic events. The great adventure God desires is a life that is, just as the definition describes, “bold” and “hazardous.” We read about spiritual giants like David who defeated Goliath, Moses who delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, and Jesus, who saved his people from sin. They all lived lives of purpose and adventure.

Secretly, many of us want to travel such intrepid paths; but practically, how do we pursue this kind of life? We find three keys to living the great adventure in the Old Testament story of Joshua.

First, adventure requires obedience. The story begins when God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the city of Jericho. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Joshua could have refused God’s call for many reasons: Crossing the Jordan River would have been dangerous, considering it was flood season. Victory over the people of Jericho was not guaranteed. What if the Israelites risked their lives on the treacherous journey only to suffer defeat in battle? Joshua could have given God many excuses, yet he obeyed God.

How many opportunities have we missed because we did not obey God’s voice? Maybe we felt that nagging feeling to call a friend, but stared at our overgrown lawn and piles of laundry and said, “Maybe later.” Later came and went and we never seized the chance to reach out to a friend in need. Joshua’s life was adventurous because he obeyed God’s call and did not let his fears or preoccupations dictate his decisions.

Next, Joshua trusted God. Joshua knew the Jordan River was at flood-level. He also knew that the elderly people and children in their group might not be able to cross it. Yet, instead of giving excuses, Joshua trusted God and faithfully led his people across the Jordan River.

One of the most exciting parts of the story is when God honored Joshua’s faith by ceasing the floods and allowing the people to cross. Again, if Joshua had acted according to logic and rationale, he would not have crossed the river. If he had let fear rule his decisions, he would have missed God’s miracle. He would have missed the great adventure!

Finally, Joshua chose to live a life above mediocrity. He was a born leader: courageous, determined, dependable and trustworthy. He used these skills and talents to serve God and serve others. We see the fruits of his labor when he bravely led his people into the city of Jericho and overtook the city. It is evident that his desire for a bold life was contagious among his people.

Too often we settle for less than God’s best. We accumulate stuff. We strive for the “American Dream.” But, we wake up each morning feeling empty and deceived. The “Groundhog Day” experience is not the life we had intended for ourselves. Where is the adventure, the excitement, the fulfillment?

The good news is that we are not doomed to an ordinary life. If we seek God daily, we will see that adventure exists all around us, just waiting to be seized. Adventure might include helping a family member who just lost his job, reaching out to the disadvantaged in our community, or traveling across the globe to provide medical care to orphans. God’s adventure looks different for everyone, yet He tailors it for each of us according to our unique gifts and interests.

In light of Joshua’s story, I challenge you to live a deliberate life, a distinct life, a life full of passion and purpose. Let’s not sit on the sidelines watching other people accomplish great things. Let’s seek out God’s plan for our lives and engage in His great adventure.

Elizabeth Oates (B.A. Baylor University; M.A.C.E. Dallas Theological Seminary) is a wife, mother, and freelance writer. She and her husband, Brandon, are passionate about family ministry and founded Project Restoration Ministry. For more information on her Bible study curriculum, Dealing with Divorce: Finding Directon When Your Parents Split Up, or to e-mail Elizabeth, please visit www.projectrestorationministry.org.