It's Worth the Risk

I am not a risk taker. Now, I'm not just talking about huge, physical risks, like sky diving or bungee jumping. I'm talking about any risk, making any change or taking any step that is not a part of my usual path.

Over the past few months, I have found myself taking many more risks. Starting this blog was one of them. I was terrified. Terrified that people would read it, and that they wouldn't. But, as you may have read in an earlier post, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to tell my story, so that even one person may be changed, if not many.

The other area of my life in which I have found myself taking more risks, is relationships. I have felt extremely burdened to connect with, minister to, or show love towards other women, some that I have known for years, and others a shorter time.

This was a new feeling for me. First, because I have always viewed myself as being gifted in and drawn towards ministries involving children. Second, because, I have often been uncomfortable with and avoided taking initiative in relationships based on fear. Fear that the person may not need me - "She knows so many people, has so many friends, what does she need with me?" Or, being afraid of rejection, of hearing the word "no" in response to an invite, taking it personally - "She must not want to go with me."

Now, these fears and insecurities may seem silly to some of you, but they have always been real to me, and have kept me at a distance from others. So, when I felt God saying something like, "You need to connect with her. Send her a note. Take her for coffee. Invite her over for dinner," I thought it was crazy! Really?! This can't be right. But, I kept feeling it...that burden, that need to connect just wouldn't go away.

So, I had no choice but to listen. I believe that my ability to take more risks, has been due to my openness to what God wants me to do, not what I want or am comfortable with. This has been an amazing change in my life since April, and I am so grateful for it.

And, as a result, I have been blessed with many more relationships, with some amazing people. People I would have missed the chance to connect with had I chose to ignore that voice, that stirring within.

Joyce Meyer, in Promises for Your Everyday Life, puts it this way, "Every common person can be used mightily by God. You just have to believe He can use you and be daring enough to embrace the goals or vision He puts in your heart. You have been chosen!"

For what purpose has God chosen you? Is there a risk you should take?