The Difference between Faith and Risk

In Church, Devotional, Leadership by Andy Comer

Faith and Risk

Before I share the differences between faith and risk, let me share what they have in common.  Faith and risk are both scary.

Have you ever done something risky? I’m not talking about drinking milk that expired yesterday. I’m talking about something that pushes the edge of sanity. Something that if you succeed or fail will drastically alter the future of your life.

I can only name a few truly risky moments in my life. Skydiving ranks up there at the top.  Risk is scary. It’s bone-shaking, sweat-dropping, life-altering scary.

Have you ever done something requiring faith? Like risk, faith can also be scary. Stepping out in faith to do what God is calling you to do is never a safe endeavor, but it is a worthy endeavor.

When God calls you to leave your home to move to another country to serve as a missionary — it can be scary. When God leads you to quit your job to be a stay-at-home mom — it can be scary. When you decide to go against culture and stand up for what is right — it can be scary.

Faith and risk are both scary. But what is it that sets the two apart?

Faith is lead by the Lord. Risk is lead by desire.

By faith Peter stepped out of the boat, but he didn’t do it to show off to the other disciples. Peter stepped out of the boat because Jesus said, “Come!” There are countless faith stories recorded in the Bible. In each one, we find men and women who were led by the Lord to accomplish a task or mission.  Risk on the other hand is driven by selfish desire. It’s primary motivation is to take a chance to better one’s image, bank account, or legacy.

Faith is not regrettable.  Risk is totally regrettable.

I’ve yet to hear someone say, “I sure regret stepping out on faith,” or “Following Jesus sure was a dumb move.” Risk on the other hand is totally regrettable. We all can recount a personal story about a time we took a risk we should not have taken. Risk, by nature, has the potential to end in disaster.

Faith is a sign of Trust. Risk is a sign of Arrogance.

There is a humble confidence in walking by faith. Your trust is not in what you can do, but in what He can do. Risk on the other hand stems from pride and arrogance. It’s thinking that you can beat the odds because you are better, stronger, or smarter than everyone else.

Faith is content with whatever the outcome. Risk demands a certain outcome.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace they had faith God was able to save them, yet they were content with whatever outcome. Let’s face it. Sometimes things don’t turn out like we hoped and planned, but when you live by faith you trust God with the outcome. When you live by risk, you desire a certain outcome. And if the outcome doesn’t go your way you get upset, angry, or outraged.

 

What guides your life–faith or risk? Do you see any other differences between faith and risk?  If so, I’d love to hear them!  Comment below.