Risk, n., 1. possibility of loss or injury
2. someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard

Risk is a scary word.  Risk is even a scarier action.  Many people live their lives trying to avoid taking risks at all cost, but risk is all around us and in everything we do.

Financially

Everything in regards to money is risky.  Spending more than you make, which a majority of Americans do, is risky.  Saving money is a better alternative, but depending upon where and with whom you save or invest it can also be a risk.  Financial institutions know this and have disclaimers that use the term “risk” in all of their publications.

“An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.”

Spiritually

The Bible is littered with examples of people who were afraid to take a risk and often avoided or ran from those situations.

Moses – “But who am I to appear before Pharaoh? How can you expect me to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 (NLT).

Jonah - ran from Nineveh where God had told him to go.  God delivered Jonah there anyways through the belly of a great fish.

The Bible also speaks of those who obeyed God and the blessings that followed.

Abraham – “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance.  He went without knowing where he was going” Hebrews 11:8 (NLT). “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation” Genesis 12:2 (NLT).

Phillip – “An angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.’  So he did and met the treasurer of Ethiopia” Acts 8:26 (NLT).

We also have amazing examples of Christians around the world who risked everything for their faith.  The movie  "End of the Spear" recently released and depicts the life and times of Jim Elliott, who risked himself and the life of his family for the cause of Christ.
 
Relationally

As singles, we have the most opportunity to take risks (and avoid them), especially when it comes to relationships.  We don’t need to go out and date non-Christians or do anything that may be contrary to what the Bible teaches us, but sometimes we need to take a risk.

According to my single female friends, many Christian guys do not take the first step in a relationship, maybe because of fear, fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, fear of the unknown.