I write this article while sitting in the airport waiting on a flight to Kentucky. For the next couple of days I will spend hours on end researching and adding to my doctoral dissertation, which, if the good Lord willing and all things work out I will defend in April and graduate with my Doctorate in Ministry. The past couple of weeks I have looked forward to this trip. While I get a few things done at home in my spare time, actually sequestering myself in a study environment will help me to focus on the project for an entire three days.
The recent airline crash remains very conscience in my thoughts. I suspect that most people saw news clips of the U.S. Airways plane that encountered a flock of geese in its flight path immediately after take-off forcing the pilot to declare an emergency and ultimately land the plane in the Hudson River. Prior to take-off neither the crew nor the passengers had any warning of the fate of the flight.
I have a little different thought of my flight however. My view of the runway is limited because of the drizzle. Living in Oklahoma I realize the combination of rain and the below freezing temperatures outside don’t provide favorable flying conditions. If my own observation wasn’t enough to discourage the average passenger, seeing the flight board all highlighted with red “cancelled” notices might cause a concern.
There is a difference in taking a calculated risk versus going into something blindly and ignorant of risk. Most people make decisions based on limiting the risk. They might chose the path lined with smaller risks and less chance for disastrous outcomes. Hence, people place money in bonds and money market accounts trusting they will provide modest gains and hopefully little danger financially. Other people might be more aggressive and place money in stocks and speculative trading vehicles that promise great returns but might also encounter great lose.
When it comes to safety and security, there are many different levels. What some people call a great opportunity, others might call it too speculative. What some people call a sure thing, others might call too traditional. Everybody posses a certain tolerance for risk. The risk factor for some might seem very low and safe while others tend to gravitate to ways that are more adventurous.
When I read the Bible, I get a sense that God calls his followers to understand both sides of the risk/reward coin. In essence, he never leads them or directs them to place where his grace cannot sustain them. Life can be tough and the future unclear, but God say twenty times in the Old Testament and on three separate occasions in the New Testament Jesus says “I am with you”
Whether we are doing something for the very first time, or doing it for the countless number of times, do we have an abiding trust and belief that God is with us? If so, than venturing into the unknown and unfamiliar can be a challenge; yet, the greatest amount of risk is eliminated because we trust a God who makes good on his word.
I set out on this study trip knowing that God goes with me. I hope you start every day with the same thought and conviction because you are with God in his work.
I look forward to seeing you in the trusting place on Sunday,
P.S. I just learned that that my flight has been cancelled and I will take another flight tomorrow. That’s one way to take the risk out of things.
