Over the years, I have learned that life is filled with risks. How do we face risk? How do we face the hard things? In this post, I’m reflecting on just that.

Before I got married, I thought I was a pretty adventurous risk-taking gal. After all, I was a gymnast, a water skiier, a sailor, a traveler. I was okay with flying through the air, tumbling, falling down, and picking myself up again.

Then I married a fighter pilot, and I learned I was not a risk-taker, at least not when it came to physically demanding risks like mountain biking on the edge of a canyon, shooshing down black diamonds, soaring in airplanes, riding on motorcycles or anything in the fast left lane of life.

I’ve been happier in the slow lane. Fewer risks. Safely inside my little comfort zone bubble. I can distinctly remember being a kid and telling my dad I was afraid to do something. I don’t recall what that thing was, but I always think of his response. “Don’t be afraid. Be wise. You know, you could go outside and get hit by a car. You can’t let fear stop you.” At the time, I was a little freaked out about the thought that I could be hit by a car anytime. But I gradually understood part of his lesson.

Live. Do. Be.

Don’t be afraid.

But still. It’s all a risk.

And how do we face those risks? How do we face the hard things? The world tells us to believe in our strength, trust ourselves, eat healthy food, exercise, meditate, research, share our struggles, sleep. These are good things.

They just aren’t the one thing: Keep our eyes on Jesus.

Remember when Peter tried to walk on water?

^“And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:25-33 ESV

When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. He focused on the wind, the scary possibility that he might fail, the risk. Oh my! But once Jesus reached out–immediately!–Peter was safe.

Hey, I’m the first to say it’s not always easy to keep my eyes on Jesus. I recently had major surgery to fix an uncooperative joint. Like any surgery, it was risky, and I was a little afraid. (All went well.) I prayed a lot and so did many others.

At other times it’s a frightening diagnosis, a financial stress, an abstract anxiety, or even a crushing word. Too often for me, it’s the fear of what people will think when they read my words. Silly, right? Nah. It’s real. Fear storms into my life like a giant with really big feet who tries to stomp on my hope, my strength, my faith.

It’s not possible to say bye-bye to the risky business of living. But when I remember to cling to the One who is my hope, my strength, my faith, all those giants get a whole lot smaller.

To God be the glory.

This post was prompted by the word RISK at Five Minute Friday where I join wonderful Christian writers to encourage each other.  When you have time, check it out, and you’ll find inspiring posts to read on the same topic. Looking for more devotions and reflections on faith? Click here.

Thank you to Debby Hudson on Unsplash for the photo.