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Taking Risks for God's Purpose

 


Taking Risks for God's Purpose

Scripture: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Thought: As Christians, we are called to step out in faith and take risks in pursuit of our purpose. Just as Abraham obeyed God by leaving his homeland to go to a place unknown to him (Hebrews 11:8), we too must be willing to trust in God's plan and take bold steps towards fulfilling our calling.

Action Plan: Today, take a moment to reflect on what risks you may need to take in order to align yourself more closely with God's purpose for your life. Whether it's stepping out in faith to share the gospel with someone, pursuing a new ministry opportunity, or making a sacrificial decision for the sake of others, ask God to give you the courage and strength to take those risks.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust in your plan for my life and to have the courage to take risks in pursuit of your purpose. Give me the strength to step out in faith and follow where you lead, knowing that you are with me every step of the way. Amen.

My story 

The worn leather of my backpack chafed against my shoulder as I hiked the dusty trail, the sun beating down on my back. My heart pounded in my chest, not from the exertion of the climb, but from the churning anxiety within. For months, I had been wrestling with a decision, a call that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. 

I had been in a career years, a vocation that had always brought me joy. Yet, recently, a different path had begun to whisper in my soul. God was nudging me towards a new direction, something that felt both terrifying and undeniably right. It was a calling to leave the familiar comforts of my job and dedicate myself to serving the poor and marginalized in a remote village.

The fear was overwhelming. Leaving behind the security of my life, the familiar routines and comfort of my family, felt like jumping off a cliff with only a prayer as a parachute. But I remembered the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23-24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

This wasn't just a biblical verse; it was a call to action, a challenge to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. My heart echoed the words of Peter in Matthew 14:29-31: "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 

Like Peter, I was being called to trust in God's power, to take a leap of faith, even though the outcome seemed uncertain. The fear felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders, but the promise of God's presence and the whispers of my purpose filled me with an unshakeable hope.

The journey ahead was unknown, and there would undoubtedly be moments of doubt and fear. But I was determined to walk on the water, to trust God's hand, and to embrace the path He had laid out for me. For I knew that the greatest rewards often came from taking the biggest risks, from stepping out in faith, and from embracing the unknown with a heart full of hope. 

Even if I stumbled, even if I fell, I knew God would be there, just as He was for Peter, to catch me and commend my faith. For in the pursuit of my purpose, I was not alone. I had the strength of God's love, the guidance of his Holy Spirit, and the unwavering support of the community that surrounded me. And in that faith, I found the courage to take a step forward, into the unknown, and towards the calling that God had placed on my heart. 

Go deeper 

Taking risks in pursuit of your purpose is a biblical principle that is seen throughout scripture. In Matthew

' 14:29-31, Peter took a risk by stepping out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus. Although he began to sink, Jesus caught him and commended his faith. This demonstrates that stepping out in faith and taking risks in pursuit of our purpose can lead to great rewards.

Additionally, in Luke 9:23-24, Jesus tells his disciples that whoever wants to follow him must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. This implies a willingness to take risks and make sacrifices in order to fulfill our purpose as followers of Christ.

Ultimately, taking risks in pursuit of your purpose requires faith in God's plan and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. As believers, we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). By taking risks in obedience to God's calling, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promises to those who follow him wholeheartedly (John 10:10).

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