Burn the Boats
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
Explorers to dangerous lands knew that when things got hard, the crew would be tempted to sail home. To prevent that possibility, the captain would burn the boats. Because once that happened, leaving was no longer an option. Everyone was all in.
We may not own a boat, but we like to keep our options open. Especially with God. We take his input under consideration but have our contingency plan.
Are you dabbling in something God has asked you to fully commit to? If so, it may be time to “burn the escape boat” and give God your unconditional yes. Only then will you discover the fullness of what he’s inviting you into and just how good his plans are for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)
Jesus told a parable about how, when we find what matters most, the only valid response is to be all in. Not in a careless manner. But in a way that has counted the costs and is ready to risk well.
God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic— what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field. Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for exquisite pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it. (Matthew 13:44-46 MSG)
This short tale contains two stories...and two similar protagonists. The first stumbles on a hidden treasure. The second is a merchant of jewels who comes across a flawless pearl. Both are willing to sell everything to acquire what they value more than anything else.
Neither played it safe. Both were all in. May we be as well.
If so, it’s time to create.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God. Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
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