Risky Faith

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” –  Ecclesiastes 11:4.

There are people who embrace risks and there are people that avoid them at all costs. But sometimes our faith is tested through risks. A case in point is the story of Rahab, a woman whose story of bold faith is found in Joshua 2. 

At some point in our spiritual journey, we’ll be called to take risks that may take us away from our comfort zone. Whether it is deciding to follow Christ, giving financially, or serving in an area where we are not entirely comfortable. God constantly leads us to places where we must decide whether to play it safe or take a risk. It is easy to maintain the status quo by clinging to what we know rather than venturing into the unknown. Unfortunately, however, playing it safe often does little to increase our faith and our spiritual growth. 

Being followers of Christ requires us to take risks that demand faith. These types of risk are not easy to take. Our decisions might make others uncomfortable and spark criticism. We can find ourselves choosing to play it safe to avoid being marked as a failure. However, we must remember that God has resourced us to do His will, we simply need to follow Him in faith.  

Rahab was one of those unexpected characters in the Bible. Even though she made her living as a prostitute, she was selected for high honor in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11. She heard about the God of Israel and recognized him as the true God, the One worth risking your life for. And she did risk her life for Him by hiding the spies on her roof top. When the king of Jericho learned the men had been to Rahab’s house, he sent orders for her to turn them over. She lied to the king’s soldiers concerning the whereabouts of the spies, and sent them off in the opposite direction. In the miraculous battle of Jericho, the invincible city did fall. Joshua gave orders to rescue Rahab and all in her house. 

There will always be a reason not to take action on a daring plan or bold idea. If we wait for everything to fall into place and line up perfectly to take action, we often never do anything. Without uncertainty there is no need for faith. Risk is essential for reward.

I challenge you to take a risk. How can God use you to take a risk and make a difference? You may not always succeed. That is OK. God has a plan and He may be teaching us patience, perseverance, and the building of character from failure.   

Take a risk this week. I’m ready.  Are you?

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the last risk you took? What did you gain and what did you lose?
2. Who do you know that leads a life of risk-taking for Jesus? What can you learn from them?
3. What is a big risk God may be inviting you to take? What is appealing about that risk step? What is frightening?
4. Commit to one faith risk-step of your choosing.