Taking RisksSample

GO OVER

Every one of us has a river in our life. That river stares us down and dares us to take that first big step. Your river stands between you and God’s great promises for your life. It has to be crossed because a river can’t be walked around. At times, the river taunts us and tells us not to even make plans for the other side. But make no mistake, your river is crossable by God’s grace and power.

A river flowed between the mediocrity caused by Israel’s lack of faith and the victory ahead. God told Joshua one thing: “Go over.”

“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.” (Josh. 1:2)

There’s a crossing in your life, and it’s just ahead. Taking that first big step is often the most challenging—and terrifying—step to take because there are so many unknowns. But to get on with life, we have to go over a river; we just have to take that first big step.

Say yes right now to that ministry that will finally utilize your spiritual gifts, no matter how scary it is. Leave your job if that’s what God said. Begin that workout regime. It could be your river is leading a small group or learning a language. Some are called to “go over,” and the river is improving your health, shoring up your finances, or repairing your broken marriage. Some require personal courage, like speaking up for yourself or someone you love. Whatever your river, it’s time to go over.

God may be showing you what your river is right now. Or maybe it’s just a sketchy line on a map that you see. In all the forecasting God gives us, He rarely gives us the details of the plan. That’s for one simple reason: the dream God has given us can only be realized through utter dependence. Take that risk and go over.

HOW TO TAKE THAT RISK:

• Write down the name of your river. Write down all the names that come to mind. It could be a person, place, or thing.
• Be specific with the action needed. Is it launching, speaking up, leading, improving, learning, shoring up, repairing, or even giving up? Whatever this river represents for you, it’s likely an action step you need to take in order to set yourself up for risky obedience to God.
• Tell a trusted friend the river(s) you need to cross. Also, let them know the tangible actions needed. Whatever your river, it’s time to “go over.”