Take the Risk

There is a part of me that will be glad when the Olympics are over. Why? I'm tired - that's why! Since the Olympics are in China one must stay up late to watch the events (or record it). Last night, however, I was glad I watched.

Jonathan Horton is a member of the U.S. men's gymnastics team. He was crucial in helping to bring home the bronze medal in the team competition, but in the individual events he hasn't done so well. That is...until last night.

His moment came during the high bar event. Horton decided to upgrade the difficulty in his routine to have a shot at a medal. The change meant a full half point in the difficulty - which may not seem like a big deal until you consider that most gymnasts don't make "big" changes unless they have worked on the routine for months. Horton made his changes in 3 days and it worked.

I bring this up today becuase I see too many believers who are not willing to take risks in their walk with God. It's far too easy for us to stand on the sidelines of our faith and never engage with anyone. We don't share the gospel because we are afraid of rejection, we don't pray over people becuase we are unsure of our ability instead of trusting God with His leadership, we don't lead the class, share the testimony, or worship Him openly because it's just too risky.

Let me say, "Take the Risk". Be willing to break open your alabaster box and give God everything you hold dear and trust Him for the results. You will be surprised at how God will use you. You may be the one that God uses to lead that loved one to Christ, help that troubled marriage, encourage the person going through difficulty, keep someone from making a huge mistake, etc. The results can be endless and they can affect eternity - but it will never happen if you don't take the risk.

God said to Abraham, "Go to a land that I will show you". Philip had to leave a place where he was seeing God move so that he could meet a man in the desert who was ready to accept Christ. The Christian life is full of risks and if we will take them we are assured that God will move.

What risks are you taking right now? Is your faith a "safe" faith? Sure you will raise the difficulty to your routine but I'm sure that you will receive the reward of your faith. Remember Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Take the Risk!