Risky Risks

7-20-2010
Risky Risks by Boyd Bailey


“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1

Sometimes God asks you to take a risk. Sometimes His requests seem to carry tremendous risk. He may ask you to leave a job. All these years you have labored faithfully in a specific role, and now it appears that He is directing you to a totally different work environment. This is something to take to heart. It is a big deal. It is important that you provide for your family and, yes, you have been effective in your work. But, if God is calling you to this new endeavor, then it is His responsibility to give you the wisdom and ability to carry out His adventurous assignment.

It is normal to be nervous. It is normal to be apprehensive. But, take comfort that God does not lead you to a place where He does not provide for you. Of course His provision may appear to be different than it appeared in the past; nevertheless, He is faithful to those who are obedient to His call. God’s call cannot be ignored. He is consistent and clear when He calls you to an opportunity filled with uncertainty. Let faith be your guide.

Ambiguity can be an asset because it causes you to depend on God. Do not allow fear to cloud your convictions. If He is asking you to get out of the boat, then He will provide an acrylic floor on the water. Great faith accompanies bold obedience. Dance with the one who brought you. Faith has sustained you thus far, and faith will sustain you going forward. Great results normally follow great risk. However, a Holy Spirit- led risk is really no risk at all. God says it, so that settles it.

Still, responding to and implementing the Lord’s bold request can be hard. It is hard to leave family and friends. It is hard to leave the best church in the world. It is hard to leave a familiar environment for one filled with ambivalence and contingency. So, it is OK to struggle with the difficulty of transition. But, do not allow the difficulty to prolong your procrastination. Begin preparing today, so that you can respond to Christ’s call tomorrow.

Indeed, following God’s risky request does not preclude planning. Planning is your friend. Planning is responsible and spiritual. Planning does not exclude faith; rather, it enhances faith. Your faith is more robust when you have a Holy Spirit-crafted plan. So, be careful not to presume on God and become irresponsible through lack of planning. Surround yourself with trusted advisors who can coach you through the planning process. God can bless a mess, but normally He blesses a prayerful plan.

It may take a year or two of intentional planning to be prepared to “pull the trigger” on God’s new and exciting call on your life, but the process of preparation and planning is well worth it. You will learn a lot about yourself and God during this time. Money will become less important and people will become more important.

Your security will flow from your Savior and not from stuff. Your intimacy with your spouse and heavenly Father will go deeper and wider than any other time in the past. God’s risky request is for your best. Because of your obedience, the Kingdom of God will be much better. Heaven’s population will increase because you have decreased. Continue to go with God. Following Christ is really no risk at all!

Taken from the Dose 1 reading in Boyd Bailey’s Infusion . This 90-day devotional book is a compilation of the reader’s favorites from Wisdom Hunters daily devotional . Andy Stanley says, “I have walked with Boyd for over 20 years and I am definitely wiser for it. You are going to love this book!”