Risk

“What keeps pushing you to grow closer to the Lord?” questioned my student as we sat across from each other at the college café. My initial response was “pain.” C. S. Lewis describes it well when he writes that God whispers to us in our pleasures but shouts to us in our pain. Suffering has a way of separating the petty from the important, especially when our tears are soaking the carpet.

Yet something else, something broader, propels my spiritual growth even more. That something: RISK. The times in my life when I’ve been willing to take a risk have fostered the deepest spiritual growth—even when the risk results in pain. Every risk brings with it the opportunity to fail, and fail greatly. But also the chance to experience fulfillment we would otherwise never have known. I’ve had my share of both.

I recently heard a man refer to the “wild purposeful life God wants us to live.” To that I say, “Count me in.” That doesn’t mean we’re to throw all caution to the wind for the sake of adventure. Nothing spiritual about that. The kind of risk-taking that results in a closer walk with the Lord comes through responding to his voice.

And that’s what Peter did. He asked Jesus to call him to walk on the water. And when Jesus said “Come,” Peter experienced a miracle. Peter was willing to take a risk, even if it meant defying common sense, and respond to His voice. As a result, Peter grew in trust, in faith and in a closer walk with the Lord.

I don’t know where you are with risk-taking, but when (not if) God calls you to walk on some water, go for it. Keep walking on the water every time Jesus says, “Come.” And if your faith is too weak to walk, swim. If you can’t swim, doggie-paddle. Don’t be afraid to risk going a little deeper. And grow into who God calls you to be.

Thank you, Lord, for always calling us to a deeper walk. For giving us opportunities to grow in faith and trust. Please help us not miss it!

Throughout the Day: Read the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 24. Let it inspire you to let go of your fears and move toward Jesus.