In The 7 Resolutions Karl Clauson defines Taking Risks as living in “a way that puts your faith in motion.” Perhaps the most prototypical example of Taking Risks in the Bible is when Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water with Jesus. Peter was able to take a risk none of the other disciples could because his eyes were fixed on Jesus. But as soon as Peter’s gaze shifted to the water he began to sink. When our faith in God fails, so does our ability to Take Risks.
It’s easy to think that Taking Risks requires taking action. Is it any surprise that the same disciple who was willing to step out of the boat was also the one to step forward with a sword when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane? Peter, it seems, was willing to act, but sometimes Taking Risks requires having the faith to do nothing at all. After Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest Jesus rebukes him saying,
“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:50-54)
Peter was willing to fight for Jesus, but he wasn’t willing to die with him. Are you surprised that the same disciple who denies Jesus three times was the same disciple Jesus had rebuked in the garden?
“And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40–41)
Before Peter had fallen asleep Jesus told him “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38). Jesus didn’t need Peter to protect him as a body guard; he wanted someone to suffer with him as a friend. Sometimes putting our faith in motion looks like sitting still next to someone who is hurting. Praying with them. Suffering quietly with them. Peter made the mistake of thinking that Jesus needed him to do something instead of simply being present with him.
Is there someone God has put in your life whose suffering you can share? Now that is a risk worth taking.
Shawn
You can purchase a copy of Karl’s new book, Killing Sin, right here!