I was flooded this past weekend with thoughts about UNCERTAINTY and RISK. But that is NOT a bad thing. In fact, I call this GLORIOUS UNCERTAINTY. And RISK is a big part of its story.
It’s easy to be confused about God’s interest in our risk-taking. But taking risks in this context has nothing to do with our manufactured calculations or risky schemes.
The risk that God promises to help us with is overcoming UNCERTAINTY.
“He is a very present help in trouble. The Lord is your refuge in times of uncertainty and danger.” Psalm 46:1-3
God promises to get us through the uncertain stretches of road in our life that require us to take risks by trusting him. The kind of risk God promises to help us navigate is deliberate and purposeful, but never careless or incautious.
This kind of spiritual risk-taking must be grounded in sturdy faith, subordinate fear, and pivot off who God made us to be—not our self-directed and selfish version of self.
I look at taking risks in the midst of uncertainty through the eyes of a PARACHUTIST. Picture yourself at the open door of a Cessna 212 Jumper, getting ready to hurl yourself into a wild blue yonder punctuated by wispy white clouds. You let go of the guide rope on command and feel yourself tumbling into the abyss. But then uncertainty takes over until you remember that the chute was expertly packed to perform its function and will gently drop you into the ground’s open arms.
THAT is how I want to navigate my faith walk: confident in my risk through uncertainty because “God packed my chute.”
Calling on our own power, guile, and self-will means we have rejected God. It is a sign that we have stopped surrendering to HIS ways. When that happens, the Lord waits patiently until our ego-based selfishness is over, and then says: “My peace I give to you…” John 14:27
God doesn’t call us to step into uncertainty merely to test our endurance. He uses these moments to draw us closer to him and align us with his divine purpose.
When we face uncertainty, we have a choice—either shrink back in fear or step forward in faith. Each step into the unknown with God is an opportunity to discover the depth of his faithfulness and provision.
Think about Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water. It wasn’t about the water; it was about learning to keep his eyes on Jesus amid the storm. God is less concerned with our external RISKS and more focused on transforming our internal TRUST.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Taking the risk to step into uncertainty with God’s guidance is NOT reckless—it’s a step toward spiritual growth. Our spiritual muscles are only strengthened through these stretches of faith.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you taking any spiritual RISKS when it comes to UNCERTAINTY in your life? Are you ready to let God guide you into the unknown, trusting that he has packed your chute and will help you land safely?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
