Being a “risk-taker” for God
Hi friends!!
Let’s talk about being obedient to the voice of God. Is this something you struggle with? Is this an area you want to grow in? Has He ever asked you to do something that seems odd? Risky? Sometimes even bizarre? I can relate!
Last year, Christopher and I were blessed with a trip to California to attend The Open Heavens Conference at Bethel Church. (This will be the first of many stories from this trip!). One of the biggest takeaways for both of us during this conference was to celebrate the RISK when we or others step out in faith when it comes to being obedient to what God has asked of us.
Open Heavens Conference 2020
Redding, CA
Why you may ask?
The more you step out in faith, the clearer the voice of God becomes which leads to endless opportunities to share Him! Is it risky and uncomfortable? YES! Is it worth it to step out and take the risk? Completely!
““I’ve chosen to obey Your truth and walk in the splendor-light of all that You teach me.””
During this conference, Holy Spirit instantly began sharing what He wanted me and my husband to do. We were given assignments that we were to complete together and separately.
The first big assignment - He led us to sow a financial seed larger than the number we had each felt we should give (we literally combined both our numbers). Even though it seemed crazy to place that much money into an envelop, we were thrilled and expectant for what He would do with it!
At another time during the conference, Christopher was led to (literally) chase down a man that he had seen multiple times and share his testimony. What seemed like an odd nudge from Holy Spirit, quickly turned into something beautiful. As Chris was talking to him, they began discussing a book that this guy wanted to buy but decided he had already purchased enough. Now this wasn’t just any book, it was the same book that Chris had just finished before our trip, a book that broke chains and set him free, and a book he wanted to sow into other people’s lives. So he bought the book and gave it to this man! Look at God, providing Him with an amazing opportunity to sow this book into someone’s life! All because Chris leaned into the nudge he was given and followed Holy Spirit’s direction!
I was given a specific person that I was to bless financially when we returned home. I was so excited for this opportunity, but when we got home, that flame had lost its blaze. I made all sorts of excuses or tried to come up with alternatives because I was so nervous about what this person would think! That’s when the reminder of celebrating the risks truly came into play for me - I knew God wanted to celebrate me taking that risk. So as soon as I had the chance, I did it.
Was it awkward....absolutely.
Was I nervous and fumbling over my words.....you bet.
Was I wondering what she was thinking.....oh yes!
However, when I walked away from that moment, I felt a weight lift off of me that I didn’t realize I was carrying. In that moment, I realized Holy Spirit led me into that situation to bring freedom to me and had I not taken the risk, I wouldn’t have received that gift! I went in to bless someone else, but God wanted to bless me.
Oh what He can do with a faithful servant!
Some of you may be thinking, I want this, but where do I start! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are 4 easy steps to take now that will help you move forward in obedience and experience God like never before:
Get in the Word! The best way to grow closer to the Lord is to dive into His word and talk to Him daily! There is so much for us to learn, but our foundation needs to come from His Truth and that can only be found in the Bible and in your time of talking to Him. Most importantly, take time to sit silently in His presence and meditate over what He has shown you. Create an atmosphere that allows His whispers to be all you hear.
Talk to others who are “risk takers”. Do you have anyone in your life that you see stepping out in faith with whatever Holy Spirit places on their heart? Talk to them! Pick their brain and ask about their experiences, times of success and failures; what did they learn from their experiences? Ask them for any advice they have for you as you dig deeper in being a risk taker for God! If you don’t know of anyone at this moment, then ask the Lord to place these people in your life. Trust me, He will bring you exactly who you need - all you have to do is ask and prepare yourself for when they arrive. And you can always reach out to me; I would love to help you!
Practice on people you know. Stepping out in obedience is scary; it’s especially scary when it’s for someone you don’t know! So, as you are learning to hear God’s voice, look for opportunities to take a risk on those people you are close with. It’s okay if it gets awkward; they already know you and know your heart. This is an incredible way to build your confidence.
Take small steps and be confident. Listen for His voice in the simple things; going out of your way to compliment someone, buy a book that you believe will impact someone’s life, invite a friend over for dinner and fellowship, volunteer and put yourself in new places! Most importantly, ask Holy Spirit to provide you with opportunities to take a risk and step out in faith. Trust me, He will bring about those chances!
Now for the most exciting part! Did you know that God wants to bless you in your obedience? Yes! There is an unlimited amount of fruit for you in stepping out and being obedient! Let me share a few with you:
1. Growing in the responsibilities God gives you
The more you react to God’s voice, the more responsibility He will give you. I don’t know about you, but the idea of growing in what God trusts me to do sounds so exciting! I want all that God has for me, and that includes responsibility.
2. Freedom for yourself
Stepping out and acting based off what God has asked of you will also bless your life! Sometimes, what He has asked you to do has nothing to with the person you are reaching out to; there will be times that this will bring you a freedom you didn’t know you needed! I shared how God asked me to bless someone’s life and after I took that risk, I realized that this step of faith was to bring me freedom!
3. Joy, excitement, and passion
Let’s be honest, it’s exciting to hear God’s voice and it’s also exciting when He asks you to take action. Yes, it works your nerves and challenges you, but I’ve also found the nervousness I feel is also exhilarating! But what’s even better than this is seeing the glory of God shine through and to know He chose you to be a vessel to bring His presence into a situation! I promise you that this will bring you joy and passion in a way you never knew possible!
“ I have determined in my heart to obey whatever You say, fully and forever!”
As you step out into being obedient to the voice of God, remember, you are not alone! Remember that He has chosen you! Most importantly, remember that nothing is impossible with God!
Xoxo,
Sarah
