(Photo by Mark C. Miller)
We’re talking about risk and I thought this photo of my four-year-old grandson, Raffi, shows what trusting God with taking a risk looks like. Raffi is running through the sprinklers getting wet and if you read my last post, you saw how he was hesitating getting wet. Here he is taking the risk and running through the sprinklers, holding his blue Star Wars Lightsaber high in victory and exuberance. He is the conqueror and loving every second.
That is how God wants us to believe He can empower us to take those risks. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Paul writes in Philippians 4:13. If God has called us to do something, then He will empower and equip us for all He wants to do through us.
After my last post, I heard from a few people who know me and I found their input interesting. One person said, “Kathy, I think of you as a risker. I’ve seen you do things I would have hesitated being courageous enough to do.” Another said something similar. I was surprised. As I said, I really don’t think of myself that way.
Then it occurred to me. I discount the ways I risk because I’m successful at it–even if it was a little scary or out of my comfort zone. I did it, therefore it doesn’t seem like any big deal. For instance, this will be the last post I write from the United States for two months. Larry and I are leaving for Greece on Wednesday. We’ll be there around six weeks and then take a transatlantic cruise home. As I mentioned in a post quite some time ago, we’re going not knowing all the Lord has planned for us. We’re going to be available and see the doors He opens.
Risky? I suppose in some ways. Greece’s economy is not good and some bad things are happening there. Maybe I’ll be homesick–it’ll be the longest time that I haven’t seen our grandson. Thank heaven for Skype. My brother who has blood cancer will be starting the process of getting a bone marrow transplant. Please pray for him. It’s going to be hard being so far away and not seeing him and not being involved with the family. I guess I could think of several other risks if I dwelt on it. But God has called us on this adventure and He knows everything going on and what He wants to do.
I feel like Raffi running through the sprinklers getting wet. I trust God, holding my Lightsaber high and knowing that being wet can’t hurt me. I am a conqueror in Christ and a Daughter of the King on a Royal Mission for His glory.
Is God calling you on a Mission but you’ve hesitated getting “wet”? Lift your Sword of the Spirit high and claim God’s promises. Ephesians 2:10 promises, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (NASB). Isn’t it the most amazing confidence-building promise? God has prepared beforehand what He wants you and I to do. How great is that!!!!!?
Or maybe you have risked in God’s power but since you were successful, you have discounted God’s work through you. It doesn’t feel very risk-like afterwards. But celebrate God’s good work! Let it build your faith and confidence. Don’t discount it. Praise God instead!
I’ll keep you posted about God’s work in Greece. Please pray for a safe trip. It’ll take us around forty hours from our door to where we’re staying on the island of Zakynthos. It’ll include two flights, a bus trip and a ferry ride. Pray for my patience and resistance to irritation when I’m tired! Poor Larry! Thank you.
Risk in God’s power! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!