To Risk or Not???

To risk or not is kind of, for me, like the question to be or not to be! I find that I am in a situation where taking a risk is necessary. And yet it is so scary. But sometimes, to follow God to the fullest, it requires that we take a risk.

Consider the disciples of Jesus. When James and John were approached by Jesus to follow him, it was a huge risk. I know we might not see it that way, but let me explain. James and John were fisherman. In their society, boys largely followed the career path of their father. And he as a fisherman. They grew up around the water and fishing. They knew what to expect. They knew how to catch fish. They knew when to catch fish. They knew how to mend nets and keep the boat operating. They knew where to sell or barter the fish. Much of their life was safe and predictable, even secure!

And along came Jesus. Yes they may have heard about him. Yes they may have even heard him speak. But the idea of leaving their nets, their father, their way of life to follow someone was risky!

Isn't that kind of like the situation we face in life. So much of our lives is predictable, safe, and maybe even secure (or at least we think so!). And along comes Jesus inviting us to follow him. Dropping our nets, leaving the safe, secure, and predictable is what that invitation is all about. Following Jesus into the unknown, where we must depend on him, trust him, even lean on him is the invitation that is before us. So, it comes down to risk. Will we risk the comfort of the known and predictable for the adventure of the unknown and an ever deepening relationship with Jesus as we follow him and trust him? That's the question I am facing these days. That's the question my church is facing these days. In many ways, that's the question that all of us face everyday.

To risk or not to risk? I'm ready to risk! What have I got to lose?