Opportunity LeadershipSample

Risk the Unknown

The Bible is a collection of stories about great risk-takers. Each of their narratives is filled with daring courage as they answer the call to embrace opportunities such as building a boat, sacrificing a son, traveling on unknown paths, facing prison, or living in exile. Hebrews 11 inspires us as a “highlight reel” of many of these heroes of faith. But, as we are strengthened in our Christian walk because of their commonality of boundless faith, we miss part of the lesson if we gloss over their differences. They were each unique individuals who faced distinct leadership circumstances. The account includes men and women, young and old, the celebrated, and the unknown. Although unique in their calling and setting, all of these leaders shared a willingness to take enormous risks that were anchored in faith. Faith is our willingness to risk everything to trust God.

Nearly everything we do in life carries with it some measure of the unknown. Regularly, we determine how comfortable we are with various risks and try to make plans to control their outcomes. Laying out goals and objectives gives us a false sense of control over an unknown future. Attempting to reduce risk makes us feel more secure than staring into the darkness of the unknown.

Trusting God with risk is difficult. It requires us to step out and stake our reputation on a new opportunity that may fail or face criticism for not including others if it does work. Ministries do not take dramatic leaps forward because of their ability to grind data and process materials better than others. Advances often come about because someone is willing to take a God-inspired risk that others are too fearful to tackle. We must come to realize that risk is that space that only God can fill. It moves us from being in full control, so plans are met only as He enables. There is no Plan B.

When God brings new opportunities the path forward is often unknown; it's a risky journey to start. After all, if you can see the path to the finish line, you do not need to trust the Lord. Why would God give a golden opportunity to those unwilling to trust Him for the unknown?

Reflection

Why am I uncomfortable with risk? What do I need to let go to have faith God will guide me through the unknown?

Call to Action

This study is adapted from the book, Opportunity Leadership: Stop Planning and Start Getting Results by Roger Parrott. Opportunity Leadership teaches you how to forget everything you know about “working your plan” and how by changing your mindset you’ll see God-directed results like never before. Buy the book today at: https://www.amazon.com/Opportunity-Leadership-Planning-Getting-Results/dp/0802423213