The Risk of New Beginnings

The Word and the Whisper #2:

Along with the Joy of New Beginnings (last post) comes the sometimes dreaded "Risk of New Beginnings." We may know the verse, "For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, says the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). This can stir us with hope as we look forward to some exciting days, but it can also generate fear because "I know MY plans, not yours." says God.

Mr. Beaver in the Chronicles of Narnia makes the uncomfortable statement, "God is not Safe. But He's GOOD!" We treasure the "Good" part, but we struggle with the sentiment that "God is not SAFE!" Yet our reading of Scripture proves this out time after time.

It was not Safe for Moses to enter the presence of Pharaoh and demand, "Let My people go." Nor was it Safe when Joshua entered the Promised Land by crossing the Jordan River. It was not Safe for David to face down Goliath. Neither was it Safe when the Prophets spoke Truth to Power (Kings), or when Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

And it was especially not Safe when Jesus, the Helpless Babe, entered a world devastated by sin and cruelty. It wasn't Safe as He debated the Pharisees, or cast out demons, or spoke against disease and infirmity. It was not Safe when Jesus "Set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem" (Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:53), knowing that torture and death awaited.

In fact, He once warned us, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18) He further said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23). True Christianity is not for those who prefer a life of routine and Safety. It is a deliberate following of a Master who died for Who He Was and What He Believed.

He doesn't guarantee Safety against the perils we may face along the Journey. The outcomes of our decisions may end up far differently than we anticipate or hope. He did not promise constant blue skies with the wind always at our backs! In fact, there may be times when we are in the middle of the storm in the middle of the night in the middle of the sea!

But it is in the Risk that we find our True Safety! We are then no longer walking by Sight, but by Faith. We are not depending upon our own resources, wisdom or abilities to secure a successful outcome! Instead, we are putting our Full Trust in a Risk-Taking God, who says,

"Do not remember the former (SAFE) things, nor consider the (FAMILIAR) things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing! Now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19, words in bold type mine). He is letting us know that He is

moving in a new direction to accomplish something in you and your life that He has not previously done.

So here's the Key Question for you in 2026: Are You Willing To Set Aside What Seems SAFE to Follow The Lord?" Your Adventure Awaits!