Considering the Risk

The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of a man that took a great leap of faith and pursued the God given dream in his heart.  This dream was not borne out of a selfish desire for personal gain, but from a deep love for the ways of his God, and a great compassion for his fellow countrymen.  I heard a very practical sermon yesterday entitled “Dreaming Again.”  In it the Pastor spoke of the three essential elements that are requisite for the successful advance of one’s dream.

He stated that dreams begin with a VISION, are followed by FAITH and necessitate the taking of a RISK.  Nehemiah in the quest of his calling prayed out his vision before the Lord, asked for His assistance and then stepped out in faith.  Once he began to walk the vision Nehemiah received favor, provision and protection from the foreign King with whom he and his people were held captive.  Now think about that for a moment… Doesn’t that sound a little unusual to you?  Why would the pagan, conquering King even consider giving his captive constituents anything, especially the approval and assistance to rebuild the fortifications of their capital city?

The answer is actually quite simple!  It was the intervening hand of God.  Surrender to God in conjunction with our actions of faith sets God free to act on our behalf!  There are a great multiplicity of examples of this occurrence with the faithful throughout the pages of our Bible.  It is something that we should come to depend on and expect when we step out to follow a dream that causes us to be a champion for God’s agenda!

Yes, a dream involves taking risks, but as a Christian the extent of that risk is not as bad as one might consider.  You will soon discover that as you step out in faith and follow God’s plan that He works both beside and ahead of you!  Nehemiah started out with great favor from the King, had some hiccups along the way but stayed focused and ended up succeeding in the purpose that God had for him.

Once again, remember that you are never alone.  People and institutions may fail you, but God will never neglect you.  Romans 5:5 tells us that “Hope (or expectation) does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (NKJV)  When you step out with a God inspired dream you can do so with the satisfaction and confidence that you are drenched in “the sweet, all-subduing sensations of His wondrous love to us in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 5:5 – Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary)

With that in mind, the thought of stepping out and following your dreams is not as outlandish as the people who don’t know His love may want you to think!  I would encourage you to pray out your your vision, get His plan, build your faith and get ready to jump!  Have a great day.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”