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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

When will this virus get under control? What will happen to our once-booming economy? What will that economy mean for our work? More than ever before, we have far more questions than answers.

My fear is that amidst all this uncertainty, we Christ-followers will hold back and be less courageous in our work than we have been before. I fear we’ll set smaller goals, dwarf down our God-given visions, and “play it safe” in the New Year.

There are certainly times when it may be wise to risk less, but I’d hate to see us—the Christians in our work communities—earn the reputation for having a lack of courage during these times.

To be clear, I’m not talking about the courage to fly on an airplane or go to a restaurant. I’m talking about the courage to create—to take big swings to create new things (or grow existing things) as a means of glorifying God and serving people well.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” (emphasis mine). Because of the Spirit’s power within us, we should be the boldest people on the planet—the ones daring greatly to create new businesses, medicines, initiatives, art, and hope.

Where can we look in Scripture as we search for the courage to create? Over the next three weeks, we’ll explore three passages that answer that question, beginning with today’s passage: Romans 8:28.

We can risk boldly because we know that in success or failure, God is working “all things” for His glory and the good of His Church.

How can failure be worked for “good”? There are many answers to that question, but the one I’ve personally found to be most compelling is that our reaction to professional failures can preach a powerful sermon of the gospel to the lost.

One of my non-Christian friends frequently comments on how much he admires my ability to “take big swings” and risks in business and in life. This friend knows my failures and my successes, but it’s my courage to create in the face of great risk that is winsome to him. This friend once said to me, “You have no fear.” I explained that’s absolutely not true. I have fears, but I also have Christ, and it’s the security of His love that enables me to risk.

I’ll close today’s devotional with Jesus’s words in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

As you look towards 2021 and pray about what God may be calling you to chase after professionally, “take courage; Jesus has overcome the world” and is working everything for His glory and your ultimate good.