Whether we realize it or not, living our lives for Jesus is a risky business. Yes, God is good and yes, we can experience His many blessings. But the fact that we’re called to “take up our cross daily” reminds us that living our lives fully for Him involves risk.
Those that know me, know that I love to quote Pastor Ron Mehl. And one of my favorite quotes of his is this: “If what we’re doing isn’t bigger than us, then we’re outside the will of God.” When I first heard this quote, it really made me think. But the truth is why would God (who created us for relationship with Him) call us to something that we could do on our own?
God calls us to step out and to take risks because He wants us to learn how to trust in Him. He has promised to never leave us and reminds us over and over in His Word that He is a firm foundation for us. The problem is that we often times allow fear to keep us from stepping out, as if every result is on our shoulders.
This week in my message I actually reference the Israelites as they were being called to leave Egypt. Many of them were afraid to leave Egypt. This fear of the unknown and the risks of what they might face paralyzed them and caused them to want to choose a life of slavery over the Promised Land that God had for them.
Do we trust that God is good and that He is calling us to something bigger than ourselves? And are we willing to step out and take hold of it? We aren’t called to be people who play it safe. We’re called to be people who live our lives for Jesus: people who live beyond ourselves and embrace the seemingly risky business of following Him! Because, in the end, we know that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Lord, help us not to be controlled by fear. Help us not rely upon our own control, strength, and understanding, but to remember instead that You are a firm foundation. And help us to trust in You and Your good and pleasing will for our lives.
thesimplemindedpastor.com 