Why Risk It When You Can Faith It?

As a child, I seemed to have an “inherited” propensity to take risks. It came from my dad’s side (wink). Risks do not necessarily take into account the wishes or best interest of others. For example, at age nine, when I tried to exercise my newfound faith to fell a tree in my front yard, I gave no thought, had such a miracle occurred, to the possible consequences to my parents: the cost of labor and materials to repair the roof and clean up such a mess! (Today, when I locate our old farmhouse on Google Earth, the tree is still there!)

As codependents, we sometimes take risks and call them faith. A pattern of risk-taking can prove disastrous and have serious consequences. When we proceed wrongly in a situation, it becomes a matter of risk and we bring undue troubles upon ourselves and others. Our propensities to take risks fuel the fire of codependency; we are willing to risk it all to get what we want. More times than less, the wrong choices we make in this area can ruin or damage relationships, our actions lying on the edge of insanity..

Having often operated from the position of risk, I understand the subject and am ready to leave risk behind and live by faith. Consider these:

  Risk vs. Faith

·       Risk is “somehow, when.” / Faith is now. (Hebrews 11:1)

·       Risk says, “Go for it!” / Faith says, “Wait for it.” (Psalm 27:14)

·       Risk runs blindly. / Faith hopes in God. (Hebrews 10:22-23)

·       Risk says, “Fight!” / Faith says, “Trust.” (Proverbs 3:5)

·       Risk prefers a fleeting object or an idol. / Faith’s object is the Eternal God. (Romans 5:1-2)

·       Risk manipulates others. / Faith pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6)

·       Risk hears my own voice. / Faith hears God’s Word. (Romans 10:17)

·       Risk says, “I can change this.” / Faith says, “God can change this.” (Philippians 4:13)

·       Risk is for my glory. / Faith builds in God’s glory. (1 Peter 1:5-7)

·       Risk pushes the bar to break the glass ceiling. / Faith is not limited by a ceiling. (Ephesians 3:20)

·       Risk has consequences. / Faith has reward. (Matthew 7:7)

·       Risk strives. / Faith rests. (Hebrews 4:2-3a)

·       Risk “hopes so.” / Faith “knows so.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

·       Risk is temporary. / Faith remains. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

·       Risk’s reward is uncertain. / Faith’s reward is guaranteed. (Hebrews 10:35)

The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).

 Let’s be clear. Risk was not present when young David went up against the giant. He proceeded confidently in His God to accomplish the work because He knew His God. His boldness in faith was no different than that of other Bible characters upon whom God’s Spirit was evident. In his gospel, Luke says, “Glory to God in the Highest; and on earth, peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Today, accept where God has placed you. My testimony is that of the psalmist, who said: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:5-6). Be aware that risk taking can quickly take you out of your God-given pleasant place. Repent and settle back into His favor. 

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