Why Not?

Each time we cooperate with God, we take one more giant step forward. Because when God asks us to change, it means that He always has something better to give us – more freedom, greater joy, and greater blessings.” – Joyce Meyer

There are people who watched the movie We Bought a Zoo and came away with the conclusion that Benjamin Mee’s decision was an ill-advised illogical gamble that in most cases would have financially ruined the family. They may agree with John F. Kennedy who put it this way: “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”

I can understand why people feel that way. In times of uncertainty and economic difficulties, it is difficult to take risks. God has a plan for us. When we discover it, we’ll often reflect for a moment and then conclude, “I am not sure I can do this, it is bigger than I am.” God may give us something to do that will require 20 seconds of insane courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but taking action in the midst of intimidating circumstances. 

It reminds me of the classic story of David and Goliath that we talked about in the Hall of Faith series. Some quick background. David is a teenage shepherd with three older brothers serving in the Israelite army. The Philistines are occupying their land and are intent on taking over their country. 

David’s father tasks him with going to where the army is stationed and bring some bread for his brothers. When David arrives he finds that for forty days Goliath has been trash-talking and taunting the Israelite army. He’s a giant. Goliath has been  challenging anyone from the Israelite army to fight him in a winner-take-all battle. When David arrives he hears the taunting of Goliath and asks the soldiers what is going on. 

David’s older brother Eliab spots David and lectures him by reminding him he is a delivery boy and now that he has completed his delivery assignment needs to go home and tend the sheep. But that didn’t happen. When Saul hears about it he sends for David. David tells Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32) Saul did not say “why not” but he did let David battle Goliath. This would seem to be an ill-advised, completely illogical decision. If my son came up to me and told me he was going to fight the biggest, baddest professional MMA fighter tomorrow, I would think he is crazy more than I would laud his courage. I would not answer with  “why not?” There is no way that would end well and there was no way that David’s battle with Goliath would end well. That is without God.

We know how the story turns out.  Now I am not suggesting we go out and make outrageous decisions because we think God will make them right.  What I am saying is what may seem a little crazy to us may fit perfectly in God’s plan. The goal is not to be too complacent. See what God has for us and be stirred up to live life more courageously.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do we know we are in His will?
2. How does God’s plan unfold in our lives on a daily basis?
3. Have you ever experienced something in your life that can only be explained by God being involved?
4. Are you risk averse?
5. Pray and ask God to help you follow His direction.