Sometimes You Have to Take a Risk

Most of us like to play it safe. We like to have all the facts and make well informed decisions. We like to know what’s at stake up front with no surprises. But the longer you walk with the Lord, the more you come to realized that God doesn’t usually work that way.

God often requires us to make decisions and take action in ways that look pretty risky. Things don’t always look safe and risk free. Why does He do this? What is gained by us having to take risks?

He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”  – Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 (NASB)

Sometimes God asks us to take a chance, to do something without knowing ahead of time what the outcome is going to be. Consider the risks that missionaries choose to take in order to proclaim the Gospel. What gives them the courage to willing face such uncertain and dangerous situations?

The word risk implies uncertainty and even fear. God doesn’t ever take risks because He already knows the outcome of every situation. He doesn’t have to fear what lies ahead. He offers us that same assurance if we will only allow Him to guide us. He asks us to put our trust in Him and have faith in His plan. To us, with our limited perspective, it looks like we may be asked to take huge risks but if God already knows the outcome and He is in control what do we have to fear?

What are you willing to risk? What steps can you take today to move out of your comfort zone and trust God to do something extravagant in you and through you? Just ask Him for courage and take that first step. You will be amazed at what He will do.