Do you play it safe? I grew up thinking that the best way to live life is by not taking risks! Play it safe. Stay inside the box. Don't make waves. Don't take the shortcuts someone suggested when you are guaranteed the route you always drive will get you there. Though I never made a conscious decision to do it, I was living a safe, comfortable, convenient and "average" life.
Then I became a follower of Jesus. I began to dive deeper into God's Word. I began to track the great people of faith — in Scripture, history and people living dynamic lives for Christ today. I was confronted with a nagging observation: God loves risky living!
I don't mean sky-diving or cliff jumping. I mean taking risks for God. Generous giving when you don't have the money. Selfless serving when you don't have the time. Dreaming a big dream for God — and then going for it, ignoring those who warn you with all the reasons why it can't be done: "You're not smart enough." ... "You don't have a theology degree." ... "You're too young." .. "You're too old." ... "You don't have the money." ... "What will you live on in retirement if you give it all away now for Christ?" ... "No one will catch your vision and come alongside to help you."
Several years ago, my wife and I adopted two toddlers from China. We already had six biological children. We had a full house, a stretched budget, and Linda and I were old enough to begin thinking about "life without kids." Each time we adopted, the expense was far beyond our reach. Linda's a homemaker and I'm a pastor. And, our adopted daughter Maia was born with microtia (missing her left ear) and hemifacialmicrosomia (her lower left jaw grows slower than her right). Besides the expense of her adoption, there would be costly surgeries in her future. It was risky. And God loved it!
With God's help and a multitude of family and friends pitching in, today we are blessed with two incredible kids added to our family. Even now we're watching God provide the necessary medical funds for Maia's upcoming surgery in Los Angeles to build an outer ear and implant a bone anchored hearing aid. God's using family, friends and people from church to make it happen. God's even using people we don't know to help provide the necessary funds through Maia's online opportunity at http://www.gofundme.com/kxcjvo.
In 2008, Hereford United Methodist Church built a $2 million Family Life Center, right when the economy tanked. Some warned: "Don't do it." ... "It's crazy." ... "It's too risky." Today, it's the strategic hub of our ministries and programs. Risky? Yes! Blessed by God? Absolutely! God loves when our following Christ motivates us to risk everything, trusting Him every step of the way.
Has God given you a dream? An idea for a ministry or a way of serving others? Has God put it in your heart to give a generous gift beyond your means? Go for it! Rise above mediocrity! Replace a "comfortable Christianity" for a risky faith. Replace a "cheap Christianity" with costly obedience to God's Spirit. Take the plunge. Step out into the unknown. Attempt the impossible. I've heard it said, "I'd rather attempt great things for God and fail, than to do nothing and succeed." Give God all you've got and watch Him step in and do miracles in you and through you.
I know this: Risking for God will make your life a true adventure as you partner with Christ to change the world around you! And I suspect God spells faith R-I-S-K.
The Rev. William Thomas is pastor of Hereford United Methodist Church. He can be reached at pastor@herefordumc.org.
