RISKY BUSINESS

Dear praying friends,

How does risk look to a person who is fond of taking calculated risks? How would he face it? Would he, as he often does, take out a measuring stick and, if he finds out it’s too risky, won’t risk of taking such risk?

These are just a sample of the questions I have in mind, questions that popped up as I pondered upon the message I heard during the National Conference last December 27-30, 2009 at Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City. That message, I believe, was God’s message for me concerning the direction I will be taking in journeying with Him this year. And the message is, yes—the willingness to take risks in obedience to Him. Whoa! Isn’t that a risky business?

To me, such risk has a face of fear and uncertainty. Fear, because as I’ve just mentioned, I’m used to (and comfortable with) taking calculated risks. True to my melancholic personality, I wait for perfect or ideal conditions before I start, and risk is, well, far from that. And I’m afraid to step out into an unknown risk. It is also uncertain in a sense that I do not know what, who, where or how the risk would look like, and that for me is as comforting as lying down on  a bed of nails. (What a comforting thought — ironically.)

Although there is fear and uncertainty, I am willing, by God’s grace, to face such risks—and take them. Well, I think the reason is so obvious and simple. The God who called me to do this is the same God who called Abraham to a risky migration from an already wealthy status, who called Mary to bear His Son, Jesus Christ, while facing possible humiliation and opposition, and who called Paul to take the risk to bring His message to the world. In the light of these super men and women of the Bible, I am assured that the same God who called and guided them is the same God who has called me and who will guide me, bringing into completion the work He has started in me.

Once again, may you journey with me in prayer, as we lift up before the Lord the following concerns, knowing that He’s listening to us, His children.

Please pray for wisdom and diligence in my studies, as I find it very hard after four years of being away from college.
Please pray for a sensitive heart as I continue to minister to students. I have just started one-on-one discipleship with a potential leader.

Please pray for a deeper relationship with the Lord, Jesus — always delighting in his Word.

My utmost gratitude to the Lord for your prayers.

All for the glory of Him,

“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2:12b