Taking RisksSample

THIS IS WAR

You need to know this going into the Christian life and moving ahead. A certain level of risk is inevitable. The forces aligned against God’s kids are strong, but retreat is not an option. We’re in a battle. Here’s what the Apostle Paul had to say about this in Ephesians.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

The minute we get serious about anything in life, we will face resistance from dark spiritual forces. These forces will bombard us and mock us—tempting us to settle for too little. Spiritual forces are lurking for anyone who dares to take risks. The enemy is in the air, on the ground, and trying to get in your head.

This is the case in our dreams and desires. I’ve never met a single person who wanted an adventure with God but didn’t experience resistance in challenging and tangible ways: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12).

When we take a risk, we place ourselves in a position where faith and trust in God can grow. The secret to Christian adventure and abundant life is that we continuously need things in our life that are “just a little bigger than me.” In truth, everything is bigger than us, and we only breathe by God’s grace and power. But risk-taking puts you in that place of constant dependence. Remember the goal: God gets the glory; we get the joy.

Battles are unavoidable. They can’t be ignored, circumvented, or even put off, but they can be won. The sooner we come to grips with challenges of all kinds and severe spiritual conflict, the sooner we can get on with winning the war. Let’s stake claim to solemn spiritual promises right now. God can get us through our battles. In Christ, we prevail. It’s time to take a risk.

HOW TO TAKE THAT RISK:

• Reflect on your life. Have there been times when you took a risk to do what you felt God was calling you to do? Did it result in your trust in God growing?
• Ask God to reveal places in your life right now where you need to take a risk. Pray for courage to act in obedience.