Chapter 3: Created for Risk

I love the quote that Debbie starts with this chapter. Hudson Taylor said, “Unless there is an element of risk in our exploits for God, there is no need for faith.” As believers we know that it is faith that pleases God. We are in a faith walk, a faith fight, a this life is a life of faith. Faith is required for believers! The things we are believing for, take faith in action….and that applies to dreams as well. To pursue the dream that God put in our heart, we get to put our faith in action!

It is easy to settle for much less than God has for us. God wants us to experience life to the full. Abundant life – the kind that is abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. So often we settle for good, when God wants us to experience great! I love this quote I heard long ago from who knows where, “Say no to the good, so you can say yes to the best.” Sometimes we get so caught up doing lots of good things, that we miss the great thing(s) that God has for us. Life is all about perspective and balance. Let’s quit wasting time on unnecessary things that keep us out of balance, and get God’s perspective for our life.

So have you decided to be a risk taker? Why not give risk a different title! I love this thought! Instead of terrifying, try challenging… instead of foreign, try intriguing… instead of a problem, try potential to grow. Instead of looking at things from a negative perspective, turn it around to the positive. It is a great way to encourage yourself and remember that God is always with you and He believes in you! His promises are yes to you. You may need to encourage yourself on a regular basis (hourly if necessary!), and you can do that by encouraging and building yourself up in God’s Word.

Overcome fear, and believe in yourself. Fear can stop you in your tracks. It can produce pain and even paralyze you. (Think of childbirth or public speaking!) Fear has all the same properties as faith, except it is going in the opposite (negative) direction. Turn your fear to faith, and overcome any negative self doubts, and live fear-less. You can live confidently! So as we reach the end of Chapter 3 remember: Play your song! Sing your song! Write your song! Live your song! It is risky, but worth every bit of the risk!

So true- Statement – “Sure there are those who get lucky-people whose success falls right into their laps. But I would say there is something important about learning to work for what you dream. It teaches persistence, endurance, and the value of determination in the face of obstacles.” Debbie Macomber

Highlight Scripture- John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. What is the greatest risk you associate with pursuing your dream?
2. How can you systematically work through that risk to reach the reward?
3. The three thoughts on page 51 from the Power of Positive Thinking are great keys to getting out of a negative rut, and living positively and victoriously. Why not copy it (I believe I am divinely guided, I believe I will always take the right turn in the road, I believe God will make a way where there is no way- by Norman Vincent Peale) or even the Optimist’s Creed and put in on your mirror to read them out loud as you get ready each morning. What is the advantage to speaking words like these out loud?
4. What are the negative words that you say about yourself that you know you need to change? What positive words can you say in exchange?
5. Setting goals is an important factor in reaching our potential. How can you make your goals more attainable? Why not list 3-5 of them and put them in your Bible to reread daily.
Knit Together Challenge: Think generationally when it comes to believing in yourself. Your kids (or others you influence) will believe in pursuing their dream when they see confidence, endurance and persistence in you. They will be much more willing to take risks and overcome fear when they see how you have done it.

My Prayer for you:
Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and ask that you help us to walk stronger in you. We desire to live confidently and fearlessly and truly enjoy this adventurous journey of life. I pray that in You we would know that taking risks to pursue the dream you have placed in our heart is worth the effort. Give us the courage to get up when we fall, and the perseverance to keep going when the going seems tough. I pray that we could live joyfully knowing that your Word is at work within us, helping us accomplish Your will in our life. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!