Leadership Thought: Don’t Just Wish for Longer Legs.

Dear Friends,

I still remember the title of a book that I read a number of years ago, You Can’t Steal Second With Your Foot on First. The title is a good reminder to me that risk is essential for growth in every area of our lives.

It is safe to say that you and I will never reach our full potential without taking risks in our lives. You have probably heard the phrase, "if you want to enjoy the fruit, you have to go out on the limb." You won’t find the good fruit by safely clinging to the tree trunk and picking some of the fruit that has fallen to the ground. Most of that fruit is rotten. No, you got to be willing to risk by climbing out on the limb to reach the good fruit.

Without risk there can be no reward. Those who have accomplished great things in life are those who have been willing to leave their comfort zone and step into their risk zone.  

John Maxwell writes, “20 years from now, you will be more disappointed by the risks you didn't take then by the ones you did. Defeat tomorrow's regret by moving forward and getting into the faith zone today.” Running with Giants , John Maxwell, p. 45

There will always be those times in our life when, like Moses, we will discover reasons that could easily give birth to regret:

“Who am I that I should go?” Exodus 3:11

“What shall I say to them?” Exodus 3:13

“But suppose they will not believe me?” Exodus 4:1

“But I am slow of speech.” Exodus 4:10

I well remember my time at Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale, where we were always encouraged to take risks. I recall many times encouraging our physical education team to never be afraid to try new things.  Charting new paths and creating new ways of ministry always involved a certain level of risk, but in the midst of our ministry at Calvary, we were always secure in knowing that there would be a lot of grace provided those who failed. Yes, it is true that sometimes risk takers can create an awful mess, but the alternative-the safe, the traditional, the comfortable can often be the dead, lifeless and the boring. As long as we are resting in the strength of Jesus, and we are secure in Him, we ought to be able to risk trying new ways of doing things that will keep our ministry fresh and exciting and never boring.

I still remember the church’s decision to field a competitive paint ball team and building a huge indoor skateboarding complex, all because they saw these as outreach opportunities that would help us share the gospel in unconventional ways.

Everything in this life is a risk. We are given only two options. Take the risk and expect results or don’t take a risk and expect nothing. Stop procrastinating! God uses people like Moses Joshua, David, Paul, Peter, who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and minister in their risk zone. Like Peter, you and I have to step out of the boat onto the water, to see the miracles God has in store for us.

Whatever risk you might be facing-a relationship risk, a witnessing risk, a family risk, a business risk, a job risk, a life decision, know that the Lord is with you and He makes it abundantly clear that He will help you.

When you are called to step out in faith, realize that our God is greater than any problem. Take a moment to be quiet and remind yourself of who is in control.

And if you need any additional encouragement, to lift your foot off first to can get to second, reflect on the following quotes:

“Take the risk or lose the chance.”

“If you want it, go for it. Take a risk. Don’t always play it safe or you’ll die wondering.”

“Great things never came from comfort zones.”

“Better an oops than a what if.”

Quotes taken from internet “Take the Risk or Lose the Chance,” (no author given)

And yes, don’t be the guy who only wanted longer legs so he could reach second with one foot still on first.

Yours risking,

Tom

P.S. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”