Lake Deaton at Home

Writer: Don Schober

Writer’s Ministry: Hospitality and Praise Band

Text: Matthew 14:29-31

More people are turning 65 years old than ever before. That also means more people are retiring and entering their 4th season in life. Being one of those people myself, I have reflected on my own life more than once and asked myself if I could relive my life over again, “what would I do differently”?

I don’t consider myself unique, a lot of people ask themselves that same question.

Most often responses are some of the following:  I’d pursue a different career. I’d live somewhere else or in another country. I’d spend more time with family or topics we all consider when looking in the rearview mirror.

Surprisingly, many seniors also responded with “I’d take more risks”. Specifics are widespread in terms of what kind of risks, but many wish they had traveled more, started their own business, and pushed themselves physically to achieve more. Interestingly, according to sources who conducted previous interviews, no one wished that they had played it safe.

Peter, and the other disciples, all risked everything to follow Christ. They gave up everything they had to follow him and trusted all He promised would come true.

Sure, there were many times their faith was tested. Just like all of us. We put our faith in God, we pray and ask for God’s blessings and when things do not go right, we struggle with why God did not answer our prayers or why we feel alone when dealing with hardship.

For many people, faith is intangible. After all, you cannot, see it, taste it, or touch it. That said, millions of people around the world, continue to pray daily, and ask God for blessings as well as forgiveness. Depending on where they live, this can be a great risk in itself.

Even in our own world, we can be ridiculed or chastised by non-believers. 

As we face each day, challenges come our way. Some include risks of varying degrees but those also come with rewards.

As believers and followers of Jesus, we receive not only the gift of faith but also everlasting life.

Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for our faith and the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. We pray for wisdom and guidance when it comes to discerning which risks you would have us embrace. These things we ask in your name, Amen

Questions of Reflection: 

1. How will my taking a risk with God as my compass change my actions?
2. What opportunities have I declined because I thought they were too risky?
3. How do I increase my faith and trust in Jesus each day?