Taking Risks

There are all kinds of “risks” we take every day. Some are rather large and others are so tiny (at least in our own minds) that we don’t think about it. Or, our desire for whatever is on the other side is so intense we don’t mind what it takes to get there.

A toddler who is learning how to walk falls down often and sometimes gets hurt. But they usually gain enough confidence or determination until they walk. Oh boy.

Then the running starts!

As parents we have to watch them figure it out — no matter how long it takes. It is good for them to learn how to do this on their own. Even though we don’t want heads bonking on the sidewalk or a tumble down the stairs, sometimes it happens. And since the little ones don’t know the risks, we have to anticipate them on their behalf.

Adults have the capacity to see the risks that young children, teenagers, and young adults don’t often see. That is the wisdom of experience. But, just because there are risks it doesn’t mean that the desired goal should not be targeted. And, just because someone is an adult does not mean they don’t take risks.

After all, risk is in the eye of the beholder!

My prayer is that you have wise counsel around you. That your inclination to participate in “risky business” is tempered with maturity and wisdom. And that you check in with God and His Word.

Enjoy, explore, and experience life. There are risks everywhere. We can’t live padded in bubble wrap. As long as what we are after doesn’t directly oppose God’s principles, we can go forward in confidence. Even though we might tumble and fall, we will likely come away with some wisdom on the other side of the experience!

PrayerPoint ~ Let’s Be Real ~ March 24

Do you find it hard to be real? Is it hard to admit you sometimes respond in a less than ideal way when confronted with a conflict in your home? Are there days when it is just plain ugly at your house? You know, the kind of day when nothing is said the right way or heard the right way and the tension makes you want to puke? Or am I the only one that has those?

  • The kids are out of control and you dread the moment you are ‘found out’.
  • You and your spouse been at odds for years but all you see are the seemingly happy-go-lucky couples skipping through life together.
  • You are barely squeaking by, paycheck-to-paycheck , and you have thousands of dollars in credit card debt as well as a mortgage and a car loan.
  • There are weeks or months when you don’t even glance towards your Bible.
  • You have forgotten how to pray.

Satan does his best work in the dark. He likes to isolate us and convince us that everything is incredible in everyone else’s home but ours. Don’t believe him for a minute. He has always been a liar.

There is always a risk when we reveal something personal in our lives. It is true not everyone will understand or relate to our struggle, but if we would be real and honest with ourselves (and others) we might find we aren’t the only ones who are tired of the facade of perfection. We each are in desperate need of God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and grace.

If you find you are groping around in the dark, allow God’s Light and God’s Word to illuminate your situation.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:5-8 NIV

Regular church attendance, personal and small group Bible study, and strong Christian friends who will pray for  you as well as encourage and challenge you are all  great ways to hear God’s Word and His Truth. Take a risk, be real, and get connected. No one has a perfect life here on Earth although I think there are definitely “seasons” in life.

May your Spring come soon!

Liz