I never thought of myself as much of a risk taker. Risk taking is…risky. But, when I was younger…a kid, I was just as fearless as any kid would be. I wouldn’t think twice about sliding down a giant ice covered hill on a flimsy piece of plastic at a ridiculously steep angle, or climbing to the top of a 50-foot tree and swinging from the rope tied to its highest branch…barefoot.
Come to think of it, I did a lot of things barefoot when I was a kid.
Of course, I wouldn’t think of doing such things today. Are you crazy? I’d break my neck! Or tear my feet up. Or both. So, what is it that makes us think twice as adults? Or maybe you don’t? Maybe you like being a daredevil. Why do some folks take risks and some don’t?
Searching the internet
I did a little internet research, so here’s a little internet wisdom…and as with all things internet, take it with a grain of salt.
- Some people are just addicted. It’s called dopamine. It gives you that “rush”, and some people have just gotta have it.
- Gender. Men tend to be more risk takers than women. Perhaps they were made that way, or perhaps women just think things through first. Yes, that was a joke.
- Gratification. Overcoming something can be very satisfying and thus encouraging more risky behavior.
- Perception. If you perceive a certain behavior to be too risky, you won’t do it, but if you thought you could handle the situation, then maybe you throw the rules out the window.
- Age. Young people tend to take more risks than older people. Maybe it’s because they haven’t gone through any “hard knocks” yet, or they haven’t learned the true meaning of cause and effect. At any rate, they probably just got tired of hearing the resounding echo of all moms of the world shouting, “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too!?” and just decided to try it.
But, if you stopped to think about it, some risk taking can be a good thing.
Risky business
Last summer, I did a devotional that talked about risk-taking. The author implored his readers to pray a prayer asking God to see if there are any risks He is calling them to take. So, I did. It has been my prayer since then to have the faith to meet the challenges God calls me to take, and help me not to play it safe when I need to take risks. To step out in faith and not be afraid of being unable to see the outcome, to leave the comfort of the day-to-day and go with the unknown. It is not something I am used to, but I’m learning.
I’m learning to step out of the boat.
We all have a safe place…our boat. A place that’s built to take the wind, the waves, the rain, the beatings. If we just hold on tight and weather the storm, hunker down and ride it out then we’ll be ok, we’ll be safe. Maybe our boats are places we’ve built for ourselves. Places we’ve created and are comfortable with, at home with, secure, protected.
That’s where the disciples were when Jesus came to them, walking on the water. In the boat. He wasn’t with them in the “safe place”. He was out on the water. And Peter wanted to be where He was. “Peter experienced a supernatural moment with Jesus. He walked on the water. They both walked back to the boat on the water together. Although we don’t see it often, Jesus provides moments every day of our lives to walk on water. But we are so racked with fear we never step out of the boat.” Stepping out of the boat is our first step of trust. Trusting in the adventure that God has for each one of us.
Uncomfortable zone
A step of faith most often requires us to leave our comfort zone in order to join Jesus on the journey of advancing the Kingdom. Following God’s call requires a hunger to walk wherever Jesus walks; faith births courage to act.
To walk wherever Jesus walks. Jesus was out on the water. He wasn’t in the boat. And He is calling us out.
The future of our lives will be defined by whether or not we are willing to step out of the boat; that’s how we meet Jesus on the water.
What is your boat?
Is it your own accomplishments, gifts, talents, natural abilities? Is it your job, career, intelligence? What are you not willing to step away from to get to Jesus? You may be safe and secure in your boat.
But that’s not where Jesus is.
Step out of the boat. You will never be the same.
Photo by Oliver Cole (unsplash.com)
