Risk and Reward
Risk and Reward
Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Sam. 14:6)
Faith Required
While his father cowered in fear, the courageous Jonathan took matters into his own hands. Flanked only by an armor bearer, he launched a surprise attack on an entire garrison of Philistines. It was a risky move that could have left him dead. But Jonathan was not going to sit back and do nothing.
Listen again to what he said: “Perhaps the Lord will help us.” Is there a lesson here? Too often we wait for a perfect sign before we act. We suffer paralysis by analysis. Real, godly leaders, however, are willing to take risks. Without risk, where is faith?
Calculated Risk
We suffer today from a crisis of passivity, a failure to take decisive action when it is called for. What this really amounts to is a crisis of faith. Fear of disapproval or fear of failure often leads men to adopt a defensive posture, hiding behind vague claims of searching for “God’s will” or “waiting on the Lord.” Both of those are things we should do, of course, but God rarely serves up a burning-bush or wet-fleece experience. Instead, He expects us to prayerfully weigh our options, seek appropriate counsel, and then act. So ask God for wisdom, and trust that He’s willing and able to guide you. Then act in faith.
Bottom Line
Following God is not a risk-free proposition. If we’re not risking, we’re not living by faith.