Regarding Healthy Risk-Taking…

Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that ¹³ when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families.”

¹⁴ “We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety,” the men agreed. “If you don’t betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the Lord gives us the land.” (Joshua 2:12-14, NLT)

Rahab took a great risk lying to the authorities about the two men Joshua had sent to spy out the land of Jericho and she had hidden in away. She could have lost her life and it could have cost the lives of her family, but she had strong faith in God and was willing to take a risk based upon the character and promises of God and God did not disappoint her.

Are you a risk-taker? Some people are risk-takers, but for all the wrong reasons and not in a good way. Some take risks with their finances or investments, some with their health, some with relationships, and some with their spiritual life and eternity. It’s one thing to take risks in area of life and ways we determine God is leading and asking us to step out in faith, based upon his promises to us or upon his character, but another thing to take risks in a way or areas of life where we don’t sense God is in it or would approve of.   

Rahab did not let fear, or her emotions guide her, but let her faith in God lead her and it paid off in a big way. Rahab was part of God’s plan of salvation, part of his plan to give the land to the Israelites. She knew something of God’s character and promises and acted upon that the end result was good. God not only saved Rahab and her family but gave her a place in history so others would know Rahab’s bravery and God’s might.

Think of the risks you take or have taken in life. How have they paid off? Were the result good? Could you see and sense God leading you when you took them? God does not have to let us know the exact outcome when we are willing to take a risk in him, but he will let us know and assure us he is with us as we take them. One thing we can know: God will never lead nor invite us to take a risk that is foolish or detrimental to ourselves or others. Let’s Pray,   

Lord, help us in this area. We do not want to take foolish risks calling it faith, but we also don’t want to live life in a fear bubble afraid to take any risks; for surely there are blessings for us even in risks. Lead and guide us Lord! Amen

Reflective Questions for Self and Soul-Tending:

Are you feeling led to take a risk? Do you sense God in it? Have you weighed it out in prayer or even talked to others about the risk you want to take? Good counsel is helpful before we take any risk!

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of Self and Soul-Care?