I'm Not a Risk Taker, or Am I?

Last week, I spent a day at Carowinds amusement park for work, as they hosted a job and higher education fair.  In speaking with some of my colleagues, we all wanted to stay and play in the park for a little while before heading back to the office.  I brought my bathing suit because I wanted to float around the lazy river, but they wanted to ride a few roller coasters.  This discussion caused me to be reminded of my experience on the Fury with my son for his 8th grade trip.  I still assert - there is no reason to fall for that long of a period of time!!!  No Fury or any other roller coasters for me, I'll take the lazy river!  Someone said, "So, you're not a risk taker, huh!"  I was like, "Nope!  I used to be, but gone are the days!" 

I thought about that statement, and maybe I should reconsider.  I don't mean reconsider riding the Fury, but maybe I am a risk taker!  After much prayer and meditation, I applied for an accepted a new job after more than 10 years in my former job and 19 years with that employer.  I stepped into an unknown world with just a job description and the promise of state retirement - that was a risk!  I also just went through the process of becoming a Realtor!  I've spent risked crazy money on this endeavor, hoping I would help others to realize their dream of homeownership!  As I pondered my risk-taking behaviors, I was driving my 2015 Nissan Altima that has recently been showing signs of a failing transmission, a known issue for Nissans.  Wait, maybe I am a risk taker!  I no longer desire to feel the G-forces of a roller coaster, but I definitely take risks!  And how many times have I driven on I-85 in the past few months - now that's risky!  

Doesn't Scripture encourage us to take risks!  As God commanded Joshua as he led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)  He calls us be strong and courageous everyday.  We are to live in the world and be strong and courageous as an example not of who we are, but who He is within us.  1 Peter 5:7 reminds us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  We are not to fear the situations that arise in our lives.  Instead we must give it to Him because he understands and will guide us to the pathway He has already set for us.  

I recently saw a meme that said, "Do I really need Jesus to go to Heaven?  Dude, you need Jesus to go to Walmart!"  And that's the truth.  While we may be trying to play it safe, we must remember that "faith is the faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  (Hebrews 11:1)  "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  (Hebrews 11:6).  We are called to take risks in order to live out our faith.  He who has faith in Jesus Christ takes his risks in the Lord. Now that I've reconsidered my stance of taking risks, what about you?  Are you a risk taker, in the Lord? Amen.