Taking Risks as Christians


     As Christians, we pray for God to bless us for countless things in our lives. It could be a new car, job, house, relationship, health, etc. Some of us pray and let these things pass us by without realizing God was answering the prayer and we think we didn’t receive it. I remember a Christian story/joke that goes: 
“A very religious man was once caught in rising floodwaters. He climbed onto the roof of his house and trusted God to rescue him. A neighbor came by in a canoe and said, “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll paddle to safety.” 
“No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” 
A short time later the police came by in a boat. “The waters will soon be above your house. Hop in and we’ll take you to safety.” “No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” A little time later a rescue helicopter hovered overhead, let down a rope ladder and said. “The waters will soon be above your house. Climb the ladder and we’ll fly you to safety.” 
“No thanks” replied the religious man. “I’ve prayed to God and I’m sure he will save me” All this time the floodwaters continued to rise, until soon they reached above the roof and the religious man drowned. 
When he arrived at heaven he demanded an audience with God. Ushered into God’s throne room he said, “Lord, why am I here in heaven? I prayed for you to save me, I trusted you to save me from that flood.” 
“Yes you did my child” replied the Lord. “And I sent you a canoe, a boat and a helicopter. But you never got in.” (Reference)
     
We have to learn, as Christians, when to take the risk and “Get in the boat”. If you’ve been praying and suddenly, you are presented the opportunity to get your dream car, house, job, etc. take the risk and “get in the boat!” If you’ve been praying, realize God is answering your prayers, you just have to take the risk and receive it.
     
I was praying for months for another job opportunity. I went on several interviews. I prayed for what I thought was my dream job. I interviewed for it and didn’t get the position. I praised God anyway and continued to apply for jobs. Later, I received a job offer from a business that wasn’t part of my dream. I prayed to God for guidance and decided to take a risk and accept this offer. This job required a longer commute which required more gas, toll charges, wear and tear on my car etc.
     
I “got in the boat” and took the risk, knowing God had His hand in it. This job has turned out to be the best decision I’ve made. It’s even better than my dream job. It’s God’s dream job for me. I am having more growth opportunities than I was at my previous job. This company is paying for me to get my Master’s Degree. That’s right; God blessed me with a company where I am paying NOTHING to get my Master’s Degree in Business Administration!

As Christians, when God presents us with an opportunity, we need to get out of our comfort zones and take the risk and “get in the boat”. Make sure it’s God who’s talking to you and not your own ego or self wants. I definitely knew it was God in my situation because I never thought I’d apply, much less be working for the current company I’m at. Let’s look at some scriptures that talk about taking risks:
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Matthew 14:29, “He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
     Next time you pray and God is sending you a canoe, boat, or helicopter; be sure to “Get in”. Don’t let the opportunity wash away because of your self-doubt, fear, or any other what-ifs. You are child of God and he won’t give you anything you can’t handle.

     I’d love to hear from our readers about when you’ve taken risks and “Got in the boat.” How did you initially feel about taking this risk?


Robert is a blogger at Christian Pals Blog. He likes to read,
play video games, collect bow ties, and watch Alabama Crimson Tide Football



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