In a frantic desire to shield themselves from pain, some men and women try to avoid all risk. They seek only “sure things.” They opt out if they sense the slightest risk of failure. They imagine that by so doing they can steer clear of pain, but in fact they end up missing most of life, the good along with the bad.

I’m a firm believer in pursuing risks. How can we accomplish anything worthwhile without risk? Since we don’t know the future, we can’t know for sure how this or that specific venture might turn out — but that’s half the fun! The Bible is filled with honored heroes of Scripture who “risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It’s what makes life exciting.

I learned a lot about risk from my mother. I might have settled for a career in international banking, but I was restless there. I knew I was called to the ministry. The problem was, after my dad died, I had to take care of my mother, five sisters, and little brother. That didn’t matter to Mom. She trusted in Christ, and told me, “Leave the bank.” Four days later, I had resigned from the bank to work with a Christian mission agency. My family went through some tough financial times, but God promised us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” And He didn’t!

We will have no regrets if we take risks to obediently follow Christ. Just imagine how God can change the world through a bunch of risk-taking followers. Like you – like me!      

This is Luis Palau.