Introduction

Good morning, everyone. Whether you're visiting us for the first time, a regular, or joining online, I'm thrilled to have you with us today. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating film, "Aquila and the Bee," revolving around spelling bees, which led me to muse over the origins of these competitions and how they began in 1808. This got me thinking about what word God might ask all believers to spell in a divine spelling bee, and I believe the word would be "faith."

Faith Is Essential

In our walk with God, faith is an indispensable component—it's the oxygen of our spiritual relationship. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith." Faith is not an optional characteristic or a one-time class; it's a dynamic force requiring action. It's an essential part of our spiritual journey and is something that, although a noun, often functions best as a verb.

The Call to Risk

Faith pushes you beyond comfort zones, urging you to take risks. It may prompt you to leave a stable job, relocate to unfamiliar places, or make sacrifices that might not make sense to others. In essence, faith is spelled R-I-S-K. As we reflect on biblical narratives, it's clear that everyone who truly walked in faith took risks.

Peter Walks on Water

This brings us to the classic biblical story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. While initially not impressed by Jesus walking on water, I was intrigued by Peter, the impulsive disciple. Despite Peter's flaws, he managed to walk on water, demonstrating that even with little faith, God can work wonders. The real measure of faith lies not in its size but in its focus—on Jesus.

The Risk-Revelation Principle

When Jesus called the disciples, they took a risk, leaving behind their lives without fully knowing who Jesus was. The principle here is that God often grants revelation after the risk. Jesus revealed Himself slowly, allowing the disciples to grow in understanding over time. Like Matthew, the tax collector, who might have cataloged Jesus' miracles, we witness that God's revelations often follow steps of faith.

Trusting Amid the Storm

The disciples once faced a storm as they obeyed Jesus' command to sail across a lake. Even though Jesus wasn't in the boat with them, He watched over them from afar. Sometimes, our own storms stem from obedience, not disobedience. Trust Him in these times, for even when we can't see Jesus, His eyes are always on us.

Courage is Within Your Reach

In their fright, Jesus came to the disciples walking on water, calmly asserting, "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid." This is a profound reminder that courage is always within our grasp. Even when previous revelations are unavailable, the familiarity of His presence provides comfort and strength.

The Cost of Comfort

In the face of adversity, resist the temptation to retreat to safety. Stay the course because the Savior who calls you also sustains you. Take the risk, for it is often on the other side of risk where God reveals His power and purpose.

Conclusion

Let us pray for strength to embrace faith and take risks. Trust that if God sends us, He will not only strengthen and sustain us but reveal more of Himself as we step out in faith. Amen and Amen.

May you find encouragement in this message to embrace the risks associated with your faith journey, trusting that God will reveal His plans along the way.