Tuesday, June 27, 2023
What comes to mind when you hear the word “risk”?
My initial thoughts are anxiety, fear, and a bit of apprehension. As humans, we are often afraid of the unknown. We prefer to hold tightly to our own plans and stay within our own little bubbles, forgetting to surrender all aspects of our lives to Christ every day. Taking a risk requires surrendering every situation to God and paying attention to where he is calling us to be.
As we learned last weekend, purposeful risks require courage, and the Bible is full of stories that bring this to life. One of these stories centers on Jonathan, the son of King Saul (1 Samuel 14:1-15). In it, we learn about Jonathan’s steadfast faithfulness in God and his willingness to carry out God’s plan.
1 Samuel 14:6
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
Jonathan had every reason to fear the Philistines. However, instead of submitting to this fear, Jonathan took a risk to go to battle. It wasn’t impulsive—he thought it through and consulted with God—it was purposeful. Jonathan knew that God is greater than our fears and our enemies, and with him, all things are possible.
I’ll admit that I have struggled with change and adaptability. After much prayer and meditation on God’s word, I have come to realize that it’s due to a lack of trust and a fear of failure. It was not until I intentionally read my Bible that I realized God encourages us and gives us the power to step out of our comfort zones. God gives us the drive and strength, but it is ultimately up to us whether we follow his will and act on that risk.
We must learn to follow in Jonathan’s footsteps and be courageous in our faith, knowing that God is with us—no matter the outcome. As Scripture states, God works all things together for good, and he is with us through every challenge and struggle (Romans 8:28). Let us boldly and confidently take purposeful risks, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Questions:
What is a purposeful risk that you could take in your life?
How can we address the fear that comes with stepping out of our comfort zones?
Next Steps:
Step outside of your comfort zone by joining a Group for the Summer Semester where you’ll form relationships with other Jesus followers.
Consider Baptism to publicly proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thanks for always being beside me wherever I go. Help me to discern where I can take purposeful risks in my life, and remind me that you are with me through every fear and struggle. Help me to follow the faith of Jonathan and trust in your plans for my life. Thanks for being a marvelous God who gives me the courage and strength to step out of my comfort zone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ecclesiastes 9:17
“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.”