Taking Risks

Risk means there is a potential for loss. The loss could be the loss of something material like our home, our finances maybe, or it could be the loss of a friendship, maybe even a marriage. But when God leads us to take a risk, then He is there whether we succeed or fail. If He leads us to take a risk it may not always succeed in the way we think. In fact, it could even fail.

I've taken risks before, and the outcome sometimes was what I expected, but also, other times, not. Few of the risks I've taken ended in a loss, maybe regret, but not really with any significant loss that I can remember, and I never took a risk without discussing it with my beloved hero. But, four years ago, I took a huge risk, not discussing it with anyone, not even God. I just did it. Actually, when I did it, I really didn't have any time to even think about it, much less discuss it with anyone. I just felt in my heart in an instant that I had to bring three little souls to live with me and nurture them. I didn't even ask the parents. I guess you could say I kidnapped them, only the parents knew I had them. Many years before the day I did that, I pleaded with God to expand my territory, show me my purpose, give me a chance to extend my faith, and I couldn't really understand why He hadn't shown me any opportunities to step out of my comfort zone...........until that day. I didn't think about the consequences of what I did, nor did I think about the repercussions I would face. I had plenty of those, but I didn't give in to them because I felt so strongly that I was doing what God wanted me to do and nothing was going to change my mind about it. I dealt with them, one by one, with definite guidance from God, and overcame them, one by one. Today, it's a way of life now, that, not only I, but all who are close to me, have accepted. Repercussions, consequences........they have all disappeared, and not only that, but God rewards me for not giving in by showing me the fruits of my labor.

Risks?......sigh, well.....I guess you'd have to decide for yourself what the risk "could" be, and if that risk is worth the outcome, good or bad. I will say, though, in my experience, you wouldn't want to think about failure or success. You won't really know that from the beginning. But, I will say one thing about it.....the only true failure is when we fail to take the risk when God is leading us to do so. Sometimes the fear of failure is the greater obstacle than the risk itself.

Just ask yourself if God has called you to step out in an area that requires risk? This could be the place He wants you to move. Ask Jesus to give you the courage to step out and most of all.....don't be afraid. Just do it.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY AT THE BOTTOM OF BLOG