I’m astounded by the high levels of fear we are witnessing around the world. People are often paralyzed with anxiety, some even sequestering themselves in their homes to avoid any risk. Obviously, it is wise to take precautions when appropriate, but to allow a sense of fear to overwhelm us is not healthy—for our body, minds or souls.
It is not who we were created to be.
We have no idea what God has in store for 2022. But we can be confident He is still in charge and He will be with us each step of our journey.
This is all part of the grand adventure of faith! Exactly six months ago today, I filmed this video with three of our 2021 summer interns in Rwanda. I am so proud of these young people and the bold steps they took to serve in Rwanda.
They were willing to take risks to serve others and they grew a lot. Risk is an ingredient for growth. Just ask any entrepreneur!
“Risky” service is also a cornerstone of Christian faith and was faithfully modeled by the Apostle Paul. When skeptics began to question Paul’s level of commitment, he was forced to share some of the more difficult parts of his story:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
Pretty intense, right? Did risk slow Saint Paul down? Apparently not.
What about you? Is God calling you to serve in a “risky” way in 2022?
Do you tend to get overwhelmed by fear as you consider what will happen during 2022?
Why not commit today to take some bold steps of faith during 2022?
Personally, I can’t wait for the adventure of 2022. My faith assures me that the best is yet to come!