Jan 31, 2013
Read | Acts 9:1-20
God is calling us—His children—to take certain risks. He wants us to stop playing it safe and to step out in obedience. While doing so creates uncertainty in our lives, there are some things of which we can be confident.
• We will be challenged. Whether it’s because of complex relationships, hard work, or situations requiring greater faith, God will stretch us. As we take risks, we may feel doubt, indecision, and fear. Or, we might think we’re incapable or inadequate. These aren’t reasons to refuse God’s assignment; they are opportunities to trust the Lord.
• We can count on God’s presence. It is impossible for believers to live a single day without the presence of God. (Heb. 13:5) The relationship we have with Him through Jesus Christ is permanent. Our Father’s love for us is deep and abiding, and His promises are sure. When He calls us to venture outside our “comfort zone,” we can obey because He’s right there at our side.
• The Holy Spirit’s enabling power is ours. The Spirit of God lives within each believer and gives us the divine strength to be victorious. When we falter, He strengthens us. When we stumble, He steadies us. And when we fall, He picks us up.
What is God asking of you that poses a challenge? Remember that when He says to step out amidst uncertainty and take risks, we can rely on His presence and His power to equip us. If you’ve said yes to the challenge, then you’ve become a risk-taker for God!
God bless you!
Amen
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The Danger in Being a Christian: It began as a Jewish sect; fierce persecution only helped it spread Today's reading: Acts 8 Acts 8:1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. In some countries, a person who becomes a Christian forfeits a good education and job. And in a few countries, a person who converts risks his or her life. One church historian estimates that more Christians were martyred in the twentieth century than in all preceding centuries put together. Yet, strangely, more often than not, intense persecution of Christians leads to a spurt of growth in the church. An ancient saying expresses this phenomenon: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church." The First Big Advance For a while, the new faith enjoyed popular favor. But very soon it involved grave risk. In the book of Acts, the persecution that produced the first Christian martyr, St...
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