EMBRACING RISK IN THE NEW YEAR:

If you were in our Sunday Gathering yesterday (listen here if you missed it), Pastor Erik challenged us to consider “Risk & Reward in the Kingdom of Heaven.” We are at the cusp of 2019 and we want to be a community who refuses to stay in the “safety“ of our comfort zones (safety is a myth after all). We asked Jesus to stretch us, pull us, and lead us into new territory as a church…and we believe He will do it! Taking steps of faith can be difficult and manifest itself as fear, anxiety, or unidentified discomfort. However, we cannot get to new ground or territory in our faith without taking steps of faith.

As we read the story in 2 Samuel 10, we observed that God’s people were TRAINED FOR ACTIVE FAITH and SUPPORTED BY A FAITHFUL COMMUNITY before they STEPPED OUT IN FAITH to confront their enemies. But, even with all of this in place, they knew God was the one who ultimately had control of the battle. As they step out to fight against two fronts, Joab said, “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.” Win or lose, they took the risk and trusted that God was strong and God was good.

PUTTING IT INTO ACTION:

As you pray for direction about your next faith-risk, ask yourself:

How are you trained, disciplined, and sharpened to be a usable vessel for God’s Kingdom? What rhythms of life do you embrace? Where are you consuming scripture and allowing it to transform you?
What faithful community surrounds and supports you? Are they encouraging you to move into new territory or in the facade of safety? Is God asking your community to take a step of faith together? If you don’t have one, consider joining a House Church at office@cgnortheast.org!
How are you asking for direction? Consider the things that God has already told you to do that you may have put aside, stopped considering, or thought was “too hard.” Ask your family and friends to speak into your faith-risk. Ultimately, God is in control so your next step is onto the battlefield…take a step!

BE ENCOURAGED:

Into Faith I Go is a powerful song of encouragement for those who hear the nudge of God to step out in faith and need some courage to move forward. Give it a listen as you pray: