April 6, 2021
Are You Willing to Take a Risk?
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31, NIV)
Friend to Friend
"Mom, I feel God wants me to go up and knock on the door of that house right there and tell the people inside that God loves them," my 6-year-old son said.
"You…what?!" I blurted out while we positioned our bikes on the road for a much-needed water break.
This wasn't a friend’s house. This wasn't a next-door neighbor's house. This wasn't remotely close to where we lived, nor was it a normal thing to do. Yet, my son had his eyes locked on...that house.
"I want to do it, mom."
How could I stop him? How could I tell him that he should hold back the truth about God's love, because of my fear, my sense of embarrassment and my discomfort because of what might happen?
"Go." I said.
I watched from a short distance, as a beautiful woman with cascading blonde hair opened the door. I caught a glimpse inside her house, which looked immaculate. I wanted to hunch forward on my bike to look at a blade of grass or something. Anything. My phone had to be somewhere... at the same time, the protective mother-hen nature in me took over. I kept my eyes locked on my son.
I watched what was happening: The woman at the door laughed. My son laughed. They were having a ball.
Then, she walked inside, leaving the front door open with my little son standing there, on the doorstep. He turned to look towards me, but in a second, she was back. Was I seeing things correctly? She then handed him what looked like money! Then, she waved at me.
I hesitantly waved back and then made my way up to the doorstep to see what was happening.
She explained, "Instead of taking an offering at church this week, our pastor gave us $20 bills. He wanted us to give to people in our lives who have given us a glimpse of Jesus. I did not know who to give this money to, so I prayed about it and asked God to show me the person...and then your son just showed up on my doorstep. He gave me a glimpse of Jesus, so I am giving him this money."
I was dumbstruck. Through the Spirit's leading and because of my son's bold heart -- a life was touched by God's love. Beyond this, not only was he abundantly blessed financially, but he was also given a memory prompted by God that would last him a lifetime.
Of course, we know that financial blessings are not a predictor of God’s love for us, nor how He always decides to show up when He blesses us. But in this case, my heart was overflowing. Mostly because, my son’s boldness was a lesson to me to be bold. All this makes me think about Paul in Acts. It is written in God's word, that Paul rented a house in Rome and welcomed all who wanted to visit him. That takes boldness!
Scripture goes on to explain that Paul "proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ--with all boldness and without hindrance!" (Acts 28:31, NIV.)
Paul and my son inspire me to step beyond my own hinderances -- my fear, nervousness, and timidity. To step out in risk is to create space to see God move in, with power. When we obey the “mind of Christ” at work within us, we give God permission to change much, to bless much and to refine us much.
Are you willing?
What life may God be calling you to touch today? What door may He want you to go knock on?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, give me boldness and courage. Give me strength to obey You when I feel You call me to obedience. Give me the ability to hear and heed Your Word. You are in charge. You are Lord of my life. I want to follow Jesus in all my ways. I want to leave safe waters and go where You go, to do what You do.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How may God be calling you to step-out?
How can you move past the fear that wants to stop you?
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