Risky Business

 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

This coming Tuesday, the Prayer Group at our local Assisted Care Living facility will be continuing in our Bible Study series “Forward” by Turning Point Ministries. This session is on “Risk” and Dr. David Jeremiah explains that risk is no0t to be avoided by Christians because it requires us to invest something of ourselves, face uncertainties and experience opportunities to grow in faith for the kingdom of God. Risk gets us out of our “safe zone”, push the boundaries of true ministry and enlarges our territory of the King’s domain; advancing the kingdom of Heaven. 

 

I remember the Prayer of Jabez of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 which states: Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” Purpose, faith, trust, risk and reward was written all over Jabez’s prayer. Simple belief of the Holy Scriptures, of the being and perfections of Almighty God. The assent of the mind to the truth of divine revelation, on the authority of God's testimony, accompanied with a cordial assent of the will or approbation of the heart; an entire confidence or trust in God's character and declarations, that firm belief of God's testimony, and of the truth. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Faith and risk work hand in hand.

 

The Three Traps that we need to avoid. (1) Maximizing the Opposition. Are you looking at how big the problem is or how big God is? There is no traction with friction. Walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. (2) Minimizing the Opportunities. When we forget all the blessings that God has provided for us in the past, we minimize His ability to guide us in the present and future. Doubt and unbelief produce a vision of destruction. Where is God leading you? In Matthew 14:31 Jesus said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (3) Jeopardizing the Objective. Unbelief leads to forfeiting by an unwillingness to risk and disobedience to God’s commands. What does God want you to tackle? What does God want you to possess? What does God want you to accomplish for Him? To say, “No Lord” to God is an oxymoron. 

 

The Four Key Principles to live in the “Faith Zone.” (1): Risk-Takers Stay Exuberant About their Lives. When we follow God, we experience the joyful zest of living. (2) Risk-Takers Stay Excited About Their Futures. No matter our age, our circumstances or stage of life, we trust and obey God until our life on earth ends. Glorification is Victory! This is the eternal perspective. (3) Risk-Takers Stay Enthusiastic About Their Assignment. Knowing our purpose and trusting God keeps us motivated to step out in faith and take risks for His kingdom. The word enthusiasm originates from the Greek “ἐνθουσιασμός”, from ἐν (en, “in”) and θεός (theós, “god”), meaning "inspired by God". The term was confined to a belief in religious inspiration, or to intense religious fervor or emotion by the early Christians. (4) Risk-Takers Still Energized About Their God. Only the energy of the living God within us can keep us barreling forward into the remainder of God’s will for our lives. Mark 11:22  “Have faith in God,” 

 

The foundational truth of risk is that, God will never choose safety for us, if it will cost us significance. God created us to count; not to be counted. This is your time to move forward, out of the safe zone and into the faith zone to grow, mature, gain and progress until victory. Caleb’s Secret: Wholly follow the Lord. Child of God, What risk is God asking you to take as you go forward? His will for you is not earthly comfort, but Divine courage. Know God and make Him known; it is risky business with eternal benefits.

 

In Christ, Brian