THE CAPACITY TO TAKE RISKS

TEXT: 2 Samuel 23:14-17

In life there are times when taking certain positive decisions would be tantamount to taking risks. Failure to take those positive risks would lead to frustration and stagnation. The truth is that many people would have moved forward in life only if they came out of their comfort zones and took certain decisions which looked like risk.

Someone might say we should live life by “leading” and not by “risking.” This is correct. And it is also correct that certain steps of faith are actually risk-steps but the difference is that when risk is anchored on God’s promise, it becomes failure-proof! You cannot fail obeying God.

Fear is the leading reason for failure to take necessary risks in life. There are places where preaching or living the gospel entails taking serious risk. The overcoming of fear is the birthplace of success and victory.

One of the most unsecured places in life is that place called “comfort zone.” It is a place of ease, convenience and satisfaction with the status quo. It is a place where mediocrity is celebrated and usually represents the last bus stop for some people; beyond their comfort zone nothing exists. They find it difficult to step out in obedience to God’s leading. The fear of failure consumes them and they cannot try anything that could move them into their next level of manifestations. The fear of failure is the reason for failure.

Nobody who fears to take risk makes any impact in life. Positive risk-taking is when you step out in faith for God. Esther took one such risk when she said: “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). She did not perish! The risk paid off. The error that is often associated with risk-taking is when it is done in disobedience or outside God’s will.

April is about ending and another month about to begin. The truth is that you won’t be where you are now if you have taken certain steps in obedience to God’s leading even if they looked risky. But if it is God, it is worth taking. Timid people cannot go far with God. It takes men of courage combined with faith. Friend, from the month of May, be determined to go the distance with and for God. Even when it appears risky, if God is the one leading, be rest assured all will go well. Maranatha.

(SPIRIT SWORD DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Wednesday, 30th April, 2014. YOU CAN READ SPIRIT SWORD DEVOTIONAL AT: www.drwilliamsbukola.blogspot.com OR Visit www.treasuredhouse.org)