Take the Risk!

Sheila and I recently set up a little spot in our back yard for the birds to come. You know, feeders, bird bath all that. Over the course of our marriage, we have had little spots like this at most every house. The birds are cool to see, especially when it’s a variety you don’t see as often. I’m personally into large birds most of all, so when one of those big ol’ woodpeckers come around, I’m hyped. They are cool, mysterious and hardheaded – so I relate. I’ll let you decide to which characteristic.

Well at this house we are at now, we had feeders up before now. This isn’t the first time, but we took them down because we had some visitors that weren’t birds. They weren’t squirrels or raccoons or deer. They were bears, namely a momma and her cubs. And when she came through, she tore down the pole, bent the feeders and had a nice natural bird seed meal. Now I’m not one to get too upset about these types of things. We are the ones who moved into the animal’s territory, so I expect they will be around. But I was concerned about safety and all that. However, this winter I realized, many of our neighbors had out feeders too. We have deer around and other things because of it. So, I figure if the risk is already there, let's take some precautions but enjoy the birds while we can. Take the risk for the joy.

In the Christian life, there are many risks. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says this “beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings…” You see we are guaranteed sufferings. And that’s one of our downfalls often. Suffering hurts, and we don’t like to hurt. Just like we don’t want the bears jacking up the bird feeders. But if we aren’t

willing to endure pain, we will never see the joys God means for us to see. Leading someone to Christ, being vulnerable enough to be REALLY known by someone, etc.

So, where does all this lead us? We must take risks. That someone will reject our offer of the Gospel. That a friend might betray us with what they know about us. But how can we endure? First, know this – Christ will be with you. When I’ve shared the Gospel and been shot down, or had a friend wound me – Jesus was there. It might have stung, I might have even cried – but he was there to make me feel better because of who he is as my father. Second, you will have victories. Christ will use you to bring people to him or closer to him. He will use you to model faithfulness to that friend. So as you weigh taking risks, remember those truths. He will get you through the pain when it hurts and he will let you see him win when it doesn’t, which is the joy.

Speaking of evangelism, we will soon have training on Gospel sharing, and we already have opportunities to be known in places like Sunday School and Community Groups. So, watch out for more to come and show up – TAKE THE RISK! So you don’t miss the joy.

In Christ,

William