Faith In God and Risk-Taking!

“But the righteous shall live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

I work in the risk management department of a worldwide bank. Specifically, we as officers look into the credit risk of the portfolios in an early warning mindset. We want to see early the credit risk emerging in our portfolios so that we can take steps to avoid big risks for the bank.

However, faith in God and risks go hand in hand. Exercising faith in God involves risk because we do not walk by sight but by faith. God already made a mandate by saying regardless of the circumstances, God’s righteous ones shall live by faith. Are you declared righteous by God? Then this applies to you. You must live by faith. The verse in Habakkuk is repeated three times in the New Testament to highlight the importance of the concept. They are in Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38.
In 2nd Corinthians 5:6-8 Apostle, Paul wrote this. Listen: Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Did you listen it says, for we live by faith, not by sight? This is because we are now in this body and away from the Lord. This is why true believers in Jesus say- I prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

When it comes to the Christian life, when you allow yourself to live by faith and not by sight, then you will have to face and take many risks. The Christian life is full of unexpected risk-taking. A true follower of Christ would move into unknowns even if you like it or not. This is part and parcel of faith life.

You see when you face risks and challenges, that God in his sovereign will allow, so that He can stretch out your faith and mold you to become a strong follower and witness of Jesus Christ, literally you are divinely forced to step out of your comfort and security zones. This causes alarm in us.

When God called Abraham, he had to leave his familiar surroundings and go to an unknown land. God’s plan to make Joseph a blessing for his brothers involved rivalry, severed jealousy, times of abandonment at home, and later in a well and prison for something he had not done. Before God called Moses for His unique commission, he had to suffer the consequences of his anger by hiding for 40 years and shepherding the sheep of his father-in-law. David had to leap faith head-on by Lord and a few pebbles, thereby he killed a nine-foot giant called Goliath and freed the nation from fear and hopelessness. David always stands as a big risk taker in the pages of the Bible. He had to run away from his throne due to the evil conspiracy of his son and almost all people in the nation became the enemies of David. Before this, he was constantly under the attack of an evil king called Saul because he made up his mind not to fulfill God’s calling in David’s life. Foolishness, but he looked for opportunities to kill God’s anointed, David.

You see, you cannot advance in faith without facing some serious risks. However, God is closer to you than at any other time. Such risks and challenges are the best seminary curriculums from God. No earthly theological seminary can teach certain valuable lessons as you learn through your faith stretching experiences God allows. Of course, theological seminary studies are good and I am not decreasing the value of it in serving God. However God approved tests, trials and challenges have superior value in shaping you to become who God wants you to be.

If you are not yet faced with serious risks, you will if you are a true believer in Christ. However, when you are faced with risks and challenges in your faith life, you should say to yourself this. I know I am confused and afraid. However, I am going to move forward-leaning on the power and strength of God. I will take one day at a time and walk with God through it. I am going to pray to God to take away my fear and confusion. I am going to pray to grant me strength and courage. I will pray to God to give me wisdom and discernment. I pray to God to protect my dear ones from harm. I pray to God to grant them true discernment and wisdom in these difficult times.

I witnessed and also experienced some Christians ignore and forget those who are faced with serious trials and tests in their faith life. Such pious acting hypocrites are there. However, that is the worst thing you can do to a co-believer, especially if he or she somehow contributed to your faith and growth. More than anything else, when a believer is faced with serious risks in faith life, true Christians would pray, support, encourage and be with the one who is suffering. Do not try to put him out and throw him off. I believe such behaviors are serious sins against the living God. God takes note of such behaviors and you do not want to face the consequences. Beloved, may such people do not discourage you. Remember, there are sincere and genuine Christians out there. We all need support from them.

Father in heaven, I understand when I obey your command to live by faith and not by sight, I am prone to risks and dangers. You commanded I shall live by faith. However, this is how you make me grow strong in the grace of the Lord. Lord, I pray to take away confusion and fear. Give me and my closer one’s clarity of thought, discernment, and wisdom with the help of the Holy Spirit. Be with me like you been with Daniel in the fire and in the lion’s cave. May I know intimately your love, compassion, care, and deliverance? Make me strong to produce the beautiful fruit of the spirit through it all. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.