TAKING RISKS

Yesterday I took the pastoral staff on a full day of visioneering. We left town and drove about 45 minutes away to a secluded farm (thanks Gene) and spent time with God and each other. We talked about the barriers that really keep us from being who God desires us to be. We also shared and celebrated what God IS doing right now in each of our lives and in PNCC! It was a phenomenal day together...Thank you for praying for your leadership team!

One of the areas I challenged each of them in is the idea of "taking risks". What are you attempting that if God does not intervene, It just will NOT happen. See, I truly believe that God desires us to live life on the edge! To be radical in our thinking and in the way we live out our Christianity. This Sunday I am going to challenge everyone to live like this...ON THE EDGE!

So...in order to prep your heart and help me out as I study - I would love to hear from you. When was the last time you took a risk? What was it? and how did it turn out (if you know yet)?

Comments

[ashley carman]

It wasn't the last time I took a risk but one of the most memorable moments for me. We had just started on a budget and I had $63 left in my grocery monies. I needed those monies, but I felt God speaking so I gave away the entire $63. Most would have given an even $60, but I learned much later why that was important. When I gave the money away, this couple said there was a medical bill they needed to pay that was $62 and some change. I smiled and it felt good to bless them. . . . .TWO years later, someone came to me and said they wanted to bless my ministry [we're recording an album]. They wrote a check for $630. I immediately broke down crying. It just so happens that it was the very couple that I gave originally to. When asked why they gave that, they said they felt God setting the amount. Every time they tried to make it an even amount they were told NO! It was because God was giving me back 10 fold my obedience in taking that risk. For me, it was a huge risk. I always want to be obedient, but we didn't have any money at the time. God provided diapers for my children and the food we needed, but then. . .in His own sweet time, He blessed my SOCKS off! Thank You Jesus!

[Tena]

Where God is leading us in ministry...we are buying a campground! We don't know the outcome yet...can you say EXCITING JOURNEY!!! Every day is something new with where HE is taking us in the adventure...it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! WITHOUT HIS INTERVENTION WE COULD NEVER IMAGINE!!! Family, youth, children, service--ALL THE THINGS WE LOVE-HE is rolling into one WITH HIM SMACK DAB IN THE CENTER!!! WHOOHOO!!! THANK YOU JESUS!

[Angie]

DId you say Risk??? How was your coffee this morning at "Wholly Ground"? We are risking everything we have (Literally short of our Salvation, which is never at risk), and so far so good. We have our Great days, and our moments of doubt and even dismay, but we strive to hang on to see where He is taking us. Check back in about 6 months.

[Pat Crawford]

I took a risk a few weeks ago telling a good friend that some of the things that she was doing was messsing up her marriage. Thought that maybe she would take it wrong , but turned out it saved her a bunch of grief and divorce.

[Cathy O]

THE RISK:
Back in January I found out that my 22 year old nephew(H.D.) was addicted to prescription drugs. He was literally living on the streets of West Va. doing anything and everything to get his next fix. His mom(my sister) had him arrested and he spent about 4 weeks in jail. Upon his release from jail, he was court ordered to go through a rehab program. After researching, we found the average wait time for an opening at rehab was about 4-6 weeks.In the meantime, what would H.D. do? Where would he go? After a lot of prayer Gene and I decided to take a risk and let him come stay with us.
THE RESULT:
H.D. did not grow up in the church and had no idea about God's love for him or about anything "Godly".
The last time I can recall him being in church was at my wedding --18 yrs ago!
Well---- he came and stayed with us and while he was here he was introduced to a lot of people at PNCC. He also attended 2 Sunday services and 1st Wednesday. He was blown away by what he heard, felt and, saw! One day after leaving PNCC he looked at me with big tears in his eyes and said,"Cathy, these people really care about me, don't they!"
H.D. has just completed his 5th week at a Christian rehab in Greenwood.
THE ETERNAL RESULT:
Last Thursday, April 10, 2008 H.D. accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior!!!!

[Cal]

Cathy O. - I still get tears in my eyes when I read and think about H.D.

[Tena]

That, my dear friend Cathy...is what it is all about!!!
WHOOHOO-PRAISE THE LORD!!!

[Patsy VanPelt]

Several years ago, after lots of prayer, God spoke to me on 9/21/05 telling me to get ready, HE was moving me. I had been working downtown Charleston for 13 years in an unhealthy environment. I worked 56-60 hours a week, received very generous bonuses, gifts, and lavish business trips.On the other hand, there was a very heavy price to pay. I really did want to make a change, but was comfortable in my routine and position there. The stress was beginning to have an effect on my health. But, where could I go and be compensated for my dedication of 32 years in this profession. Even though I was supposedly in one of the best offices around, I was taken advantage of, lied to, and was asked, rather TOLD to do things that were unfair to our patients. I had to learn to accept the doctor's spouse coming into the office and controlling me.
I read this book years ago.. Taking Risks. The book in a nutshell said that in order to grow, one must take risks. In order to learn, one must take risks. If we don't grow, what’s life really all about anyway? On Friday 10/21/05, I was prepared to ask my boss to meet me at the office. She was unavailable, so at 1pm, I packed my personal things and left a letter of resignation on her desk. There was a long conversation between my boss and me, and the result being I would not be returning to the office. In the meantime, God had prepared the perfect place for me…. An office closer to home, working 36 hours a week! I am appreciated and compensated for a job well done. My boss is a Christ follower and the atmosphere is one of peace and happiness as we do dentistry! Imagine that, an anointed office and all of us team players on the same page. Our work is done to glorify God. WOW! I was so nervous about this move, but God gave me the strength to move closer to HIM. I was obedient to HIS call, and kept the faith. HE was already way ahead of me. Sacrifices were made in order to leave a fast paced high productive office to a new, growing practice, with lots of challenges. God was in control of the risk…the blessing! Thank you Jesus!!!

[Tena]

OK-taking risks and God intervening...we found out yesterday (7 years to the day) that the campground that we started going to on our 1st anniversay EVERY YEAR is for sale...the risk and intervention?? We need the down payment...we are working toward it, but aren't there yet...if it is the one, we know HE will make it happen...please pray for us for Gods will (and that we, with no doubts, recognize it) and His guidance as we move forward...