So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.
Joshua 2:15

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READ: Joshua 2:15–24

Since creation, God has partnered with people to do good in this world. Adam and Eve stewarded the Garden of Eden and the animals. Moses led God’s people out of Egypt. Joshua led God’s people into the Promised Land. And today, through our God-given talents, skills, passions, and time, we have the privilege of doing good in this world by loving our neighbors and loving God. And most of the time, the things we do—acts of service, volunteer work, sharing our faith—are safe things to do. But sometimes they involve risk.

Rahab, the woman who hid Joshua’s two men when the king of Jericho sent soldiers to capture them, took huge risks. Had the king’s men found the men hiding on her roof, Rahab would have faced severe consequences—possibly prison, torture, or even death. She took a further risk by giving those two men vital information about the state of the terrified Jericho people and army (2:11). Her acts were treasonous to the king, but her loyalty was to the God of Israel.

Throughout the past 2,000 years, followers of Jesus have taken risks and often paid the price. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs4, written by John Foxe in 1563, recounts the life of Christian martyrs, from the first martyr, Stephen (Acts 7:59–60), through Bloody Queen Mary’s rampage against Protestant Christians during Foxe’s day. Today, the organization, Voice of the Martyrs,5 tells the stories of persecuted Christians and supports Christ followers facing great risk for their faith.

Most of us will never face imprisonment, torture, or death because of our faith. But we do face less-dramatic risks: job security, social rejection, being misunderstood or mocked. Stepping out of our comfort zones to follow God’s next step in our lives always involves a level of risk. But when we follow God’s invitation to take such a risk, He’ll be with us, each step of the way.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

Out of My Comfort Zone | Karen F. | Willow Crystal Lake

I never imagined I’d work for a church—let alone help launch one. I came from the world of Marriage and Family Therapy, and I had every intention of staying there. Joining the staff at Willow Creek was a surprise, but a door God clearly opened for me.

Not long after coming on staff at Willow South Barrington, talk of launching regional campuses began. I had zero interest. I loved my South Barrington team and volunteers, loved my ministry, and felt safe and comfortable where I was. So when someone suggested I join the Crystal Lake launch team because I lived in Crystal Lake, I laughed—hard. “Absolutely not,” I said.

But then God whispered through the apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament. I remember sitting on my couch, reading, and realizing how deeply Paul loved each church he started— and how hard it was, every time he left one church to obey God’s call to the next. That hit me. I sensed God asking, “Are you following your emotions—or Me?”

So I went. It was hard. I didn’t know anyone on the team. I was the only community-care staff member. I shared the rawest parts of my story in home meetings, wondering, “What will these people think of me?” But God moved. He brought the right volunteers to that fledgling Crystal Lake team. And a few years later, when I became the executive pastor for Willow Crystal Lake, I looked around at the people who had joined the mission, and I could see God’s hand at every turn.

Had I stayed in my comfort zone at Willow South Barrington, I would have missed it all—the relationships, the growth, the transformation. Stepping out of that comfort zone wasn’t easy— but by taking that risk, I got to witness God do something breathtaking.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to New Testament records and the writings of first-century historians, the apostle Paul and eleven of Jesus’ twelve disciples died martyrs’ deaths because they took bold risks in defending their faith in Christ. Many of Jesus’ followers—people who had seen Him alive after the resurrection—suffered similar ends because of the risks they took for their faith. If you ever wonder if the physical resurrection of Jesus really happened, ask yourself why so many of His contemporaries willingly died violent deaths if they knew the resurrection was just a myth. People who had seen Jesus alive took ultimate risks to defend that truth, and paid with their lives.

A PRAYER

God, protect my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who face physical risk because of their faith. Help me keep them front of mind in my prayers, and help the risks they take bear fruit. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Describe someone you know who has taken a risk to follow Jesus. How does their faith inspire you?

What is a risk you face at home, work, school, or in your social circle because of your faith? How do you navigate that risk?