Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola says, “An essential element
of art is risk. If you don’t take risks,
how are you going to make something really beautiful that hasn’t been seen
before? ... I always had a good philosophy of risks. The only risk is to waste your life, so that
when you die, you say, ‘Oh, I wish I had done this.’”
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of those who’ve taken risks
to live their faith: I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephtah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through
faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was
promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and
escaped the edge of the sword; … There were others who were tortured,
refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some
faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were
put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the
sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated - the world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:32-38).
Taking the risks to live by faith in God is the only way to
live according to God: Those who are right
with God will live by faith (Romans 1:17 NCV).
The faith we have must be a faith that risks for the cause
of Christ. What “risks of faith” will
you take this week for the Kingdom of God?
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When I think of taking risks for God I'm always reminded of the young student from Columbine High school when at Gun point the shooter asked, "Do you believe in God?" she said "yes" and he shot her. The risk she took on this earth for her God is imprinted in my mine and heart. We all take some risks but I know I've often chosen the risks I'll take instead of embracing the risks that truly matter to God. The risks that say I will never deny you regardless of the circumstances or consequences from this world. It's very easy to say in the face of danger that I would die for Christ...but what if I was told that if I believed in God that my child would be killed? If I hesitate for a moment what does that say about my faith? Father God, I pray that I will never hesitate to take the risks for the cause of Christ. Help me build my faith from your love and promises. Give me the insight to know the difference between Godly risks and Satan's attempts to distort the truth. I pray that I'll live my life not on my wishes and desires but by your will for my life which includes accepting the risks and trusting that you will lead me in the crusade for Christ. May those who have taken the risks and suffered in tortuous ways and even death be lifted up in the glory of your eternal love and protection. If you are in me who can stand against? Thank you for walking with me every step of the way. Teach me to be a warrior for Christ. all these things I ask in your precious son's name, Jesus according to your will for me. Amen
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