LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

*LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. DO NOT LIMIT GOD. YOU ARE UNIQU* E. 

What kinds of risks should Christians take?

Genesis 12:1

Then the Lord told Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.”

Exodus 14:3, 21-22

‘Those Israelites are confused. They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!’ . . . Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Exodus 3:10-11; 4:29-31

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You will lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” “But who am I to appear before Pharaoh?” Moses asked God. “How can you expect me to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” . . . So Moses and Aaron returned to Egypt and called the leaders of Israel to a meeting. Aaron told them everything the Lord had told Moses, and Moses performed the miraculous signs as they watched. The leaders were soon convinced that the Lord had sent Moses and Aaron. And when they realized that the Lord had seen their misery and was deeply concerned for them, they all bowed their heads and worshiped.

Those great in faith are risk-takers. Abram left everyone and everything he knew out of obedience to God. Then Moses stood before the Red Sea while Pharaoh’s armies, thinking the Israelites were trapped, closed in on them. The waters parted and the people risked the journey through the walls of water to freedom. Great things do not happen without some risk.

Numbers 14:6-9

Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to the community of Israel, “The land we explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey, and he will give it to us! Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

We should be prepared to risk our resources, our reputations, and even our closest relationships (if necessary) to be faithful to God. Joshua and Caleb, unlike the other spies, were willing to risk all because they trusted God’s promises above the human risks. The only thing riskier than trusting God is not trusting him!

1 Kings 18:30-39

Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down . . . Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even overflowed the trench . . . Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord . . . prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the ditch! And when the people saw it, they fell on their faces and cried out, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!”

We may be called to take risks to display the glory of God. Such was the case with Elijah on Mt. Carmel. We must be certain we are or we may make a mockery of our faith and harm others. But when God’s call is clear, we can move forward with confidence.

Luke 5:4-7

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, we’ll try again.” And this time their nets were so full they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

Some risks may appear to be foolish or contrary to our experiences when we feel led by the Lord. Such risks, done in obedience, yield rich rewards.

Luke 6:22-23

God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your ancestors.

Acts 5:41

The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.

Luke 1:38

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” And then the angel left.

We may face rejection and the loss of security, as Mary did in becoming the mother of the Messiah, but the rewards of loyalty to God are eternal.

Matthew 26:39

He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”

Luke 5:10-11

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

We must be willing to risk doing the right thing, even when it is the hardest thing. Sometimes God calls his people to lay down everything—in some cases, even their lives—to follow him. Exodus 3:10-11

“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You will lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” “But who am I to appear before Pharaoh?” Moses asked God. “How can you expect me to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?”

Luke 1:38

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.”

We must take the risk of doing things God’s way. When God asks us to follow him, he often doesn’t give all the information about what is happening right away. When we step out in faith, he gives guidance as we go. Moses risked his life by approaching Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of captivity. Mary risked her marriage, her reputation, and her future by becoming the mother of Jesus. Following God’s will is not without risks, but there is no greater reward.