There is a big difference between a calculated risk and wild recklessness. David’s soldiers took a calculated risk when they broke through the camp of the Philistines to get their leader a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem. They knew they might not make it back alive, but their loyalty to their leader prompted them to do what they believed was right. Recklessness, on the other hand, is sin. It is presuming on the goodness of God by wrongly putting Him to the test. This is what Satan tried to get Jesus to do when he suggested that He jump from the pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:5-7).
God’s children sometimes take risks to carry out their duties and fulfill their calling. A pioneer missionary who labored among primitive head-hunters told me that during his first years there he was constantly aware of that he might be killed anytime. He knew his efforts to reach these people carried a risk. But he was also confident that he was in the will of God. This enabled him to be calm in spite of the danger. He also exercised faith. He believed he was in the care of the Lord, who would keep His protecting hand upon him.
Sometimes it is necessary for us as Christians to take a calculated risk, but we should avoid recklessness. We must not back away from life but step out in faith. As children of God who are doing His will, we can be confident that He will allow nothing to harm us before our earthly task is done. – Herbert Vander Lugt
The hand of God protects our way
When we would do His will;
And even when we take a risk,
We know He’s with us still. – D. J. De Haan
God’s requirements are met by God’s enablings.
- June 30, 1986, Our Daily Bread
For You 