“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” — T. S. Eliot
Why We Struggle with Risk
Most of us admire risk-takers from a distance.
We celebrate entrepreneurs who started companies.
Missionaries who left everything behind.
Athletes who bet on themselves.
Leaders who stepped into uncertainty.
Until it doesn’t work.
Then suddenly risk looks reckless.
That’s why many of us prefer safety.
Predictability.
Control.
A guaranteed outcome.
The problem is that life with God rarely unfolds that way.
Following Christ has always involved risk.
Abraham left his homeland without knowing where he was going.
Moses confronted Pharaoh.
David faced Goliath.
Esther approached the king.
Peter stepped out of the boat.
Paul traveled into cities where persecution was almost guaranteed.
None of them were reckless.
But neither were they safe.
They understood something important:
The goal of wisdom is not to eliminate risk.
The goal of wisdom is to help us identify which risks are worth taking.
Not All Risks Are Equal
When many people hear the word “risk,” they imagine impulsive decisions, unnecessary danger, or reckless behavior.
Biblical risk-taking is something entirely different.
Jesus illustrated this principle when He said:
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” (Luke 14:28)
Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Avoid the tower.”
He doesn’t say, “Never take risks.”
He says, “Count the cost.”
The assumption is that worthwhile endeavors involve risk.
The question is whether we have thoughtfully considered it.
Wise people count the cost.
Foolish people ignore it.
Fearful people never begin.
Why Faith Makes Risk Less Risky
One reason Christians can move forward with confidence is because our ultimate security does not depend on circumstances.
It depends on God.
John Piper makes this observation about Romans 8:28:
“The promises of God that all things will work together for our ultimate, Christ-exalting good is the basis of our risk.”
That doesn’t mean every risk succeeds.
It doesn’t mean every plan works.
It doesn’t mean every outcome is pleasant.
It means God remains sovereign regardless of the outcome.
The Christian’s confidence is not in the result.
It is in the One who controls the result.
That changes everything.
Three Questions to Ask Before Taking a Risk
1. Is This Risk Necessary?
Not every opportunity should be pursued.
Not every challenge should be accepted.
Not every door should be opened.
Sometimes the wisest decision is restraint.
Ask:
- Does this align with God’s priorities?
- Does this serve a meaningful purpose?
- Is there a genuine need?
A necessary risk is far different from a reckless gamble.
2. Is This Risk Faithful?
This may be the most important question.
Faithful risks require dependence on God.
Reckless risks depend primarily on ourselves.
Dr. Guy Richard puts it well:
“God responds to faith that manifests itself in taking risks and stepping out by trusting Him.”
The issue isn’t whether the situation feels scary.
The issue is whether God is leading.
If the risk requires prayer, trust, obedience, and dependence, it may very well be the right risk.
3. Is This Risk Worth the Reward?
Every worthwhile endeavor carries potential cost.
The question is whether the reward justifies it.
Consider:
- What could be gained?
- Who could benefit?
- What kingdom impact might result?
Many of the most meaningful things in life require risk.
Marriage requires risk.
Parenting requires risk.
Leadership requires risk.
Ministry requires risk.
Sharing the gospel requires risk.
The possibility of loss should not blind us to the possibility of great good.
How to Grow More Courageous
Start Small
Many people assume courage requires dramatic action.
Usually it doesn’t.
Often courage begins with a conversation.
An apology.
A difficult phone call.
A new responsibility.
A first step.
Small acts of courage prepare us for larger ones.
Remember God’s Faithfulness
One of the greatest confidence-builders is remembering how God has already worked.
David faced Goliath by remembering the lion and the bear.
Past faithfulness fueled present courage.
When facing a new risk, look backward before looking forward.
Where has God already proven Himself trustworthy?
Accept That Failure Is Possible
This is where many people get stuck.
They believe wisdom guarantees success.
It doesn’t.
Wisdom improves our odds.
Faithfulness pleases God.
But outcomes belong to Him.
Some risks will succeed.
Some will fail.
Either way, obedience remains the goal.
The Risk Worth Taking
Peter tells believers:
“Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
That raises an important question:
Would this decision cause anyone to wonder why I trust God so deeply?
The safest life is not necessarily the wisest life.
Nor is the riskiest life.
The wise life is the faithful life.
It counts the cost.
It trusts God.
It embraces necessary risks.
And it moves forward in obedience, confident that God is working all things together for good.
Faith does not eliminate risk.
It gives us the courage to take the right ones.