Risk

READY

“...because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” —James 1:3

SET

The hazards are inherent in the skateboarding culture. You push yourself past the limits for the rush you get when you finally land that trick. Skateboarding is a large community; everything is done at the risk of failure or being drawn into the negative influences that are common in skateboarding.

As a skater, we all want the feel of success. A lot of times we can skate and skate with only getting close to landing that trick. This at times feels more like failure. What happens when you find the perfect “spot” and the run up is all cracked or not enough room to land and roll away? We find something to fill the cracks or lay down a street sign or piece of wood to make the landing almost perfect. We fight the chance of falling on our heads most of the time as we give in to the spirit of fear, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.” (2 Timothy1:7), and we fail to commit to landing the trick.

How do we overcome these risks?

Know we have a Savior in Christ, and He is there to lean on in times of fear. Why couldn’t we rely on Him to help us fill in those cracks within us? All it takes is committing to Him.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act,” (Psalms 37:5).

We are often so caught up in our own thoughts that we miss the opportunity for the Lord to do a great work in us. Faith in the Lord is a good risk. When you commit to the Lord, meaning you put all of your faith in Him, He will act on your behalf because He loves you and has accepted you as His own out of your action.

He wants us as we are, and when we come to the Lord as we are, He is most forgiving. You will experience God’s faithfulness to Him as your obedience matures. I lived most of my life believing in right and wrong. It wasn’t until I had an encounter with Christ that I understood what He did for you and me on the cross. He took everything we have ever done and forgave us, and all we needed to do is accept Him and follow.

GO

• What are some ways you have seen God’s hand on your life when you’ve taken a risk in your sport?
• What is stopping your from committing fully to Christ?
• How is God challenging you to risk more for Him?

WORKOUT

1 Samuel 19:1-6

OVERTIME

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray the message is received and may change the life of whoever reads this devotion. You have made following you and living in your grace and mercy so easy for us. We receive your Love and pray others do too. You are an amazing God that forgives us all. Thank you for your Son Jesus. Protect us as we take risks to follow you.

Darrin Zdanowski leads Forgiven Skate Church in Oklahoma City. He grew up in a military family and traveled most of his youth; skateboarding was part of the transition from place to place. He has a passion to lead and disciple skateboarders to a life with Christ. He has a wife Carrie and they are raising two daughters.