Step out in faith, take risks and reach your potential
“Hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope (in Christ)”
— Hebrews 3:6 (AMP)
As Christians, our top priority should be to reach our full potential.
Jesus warned us there would be many obstacles in our path. But the narrow path that leads to an abundant life comes with risk taking steps of obedience.
I’d like to share with you a commonly told biblical parable regarding risk taking. In Matthew 14:22-32, Jesus went to pray, while his disciples remained in the boat. Evening came, and Jesus was ready to return to the others. But the winds and waves crashed against the boat and caused it to drift quite a distance from the shoreline.
Jesus went to meet them by walking across the water.
We can imagine how frightened the disciples must have been, when they saw this amazing display. Their first impression was that Jesus was a ghost.
The Lord, assured them it was only him. He summoned Peter to walk across the water toward him. Peter, being bold and daring, stepped out of the boat and took a few courageous steps. However, when he focused on the conditions of the wind and waves, he started sinking.
Jesus, coming to his rescue, grabbed his hand and replied, ”You of little faith. … why did you doubt?”
If we have a dream and vision for something greater than we have now, we must be risk-takers like Peter was when he first stepped out of the boat. Our potential cannot be released and manifest itself unless we step out to do what we believe the Lord has asked us to do.
We must remember as believers our strength and confidence comes from our faith that God provides us with the strength and ability to reach beyond our human potential. It’s not something we possess ourselves.
I made an acronym for the word risk, as a reminder when I am inspired to try something new to take a chance and step out of the boat. I’d like to share it with you:
RISK …
R: Release your inhibitions to God
I: Inspire to climb higher
S: Seek God’s direction
K: Keep your faith to fulfill your dream.