Historic Steps, Use At Own Risk.
This was the sign we saw AFTER we climbed up what seemed like 100 STEEP steps.
“Great, that would’ve been nice to know BEFORE we made the climb.” I thought to myself.
After looking up the history of these steps in Savannah’s River Street, I learned locals call them the “Stairs of Death.” And what felt like 100 steps were actually only 33…
I wonder how many people have peered up at the stairs thinking,
“There has to be an easier way.”
I’m not good with risk taking, but whenever I step out of my comfort zone, I usually have a conversation with God saying, “I’ll do this, but are you sure there isn’t an easier way?”
What about you? Do you like taking risks?
The Bible is full of risk takers stepping out in faith.
Bold faith happens when we take risks for God.
One woman in the Bible who demonstrated bold faith was Joanna. Her abandonment of court comforts to travel with a controversial rabbi (Jesus) would’ve caused an uproar. She took a risk, even when it could’ve meant death. Her faith in Jesus was so strong that she willingly chose a life of discomfort, fear and risk. She used her money, goods and property to provide funds and material to help advance God’s purpose.
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby town and villages, preaching and announcing the good news about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Suzanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8: 1-3
Joanna didn’t have a sign telling her “use at own risk” She just did it.
“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King Jr.
I think if I would’ve seen the sign by the steps before making the climb, I would’ve been hesitant, thinking of all the bad things that might happen.
We can feel this way too when God is calling us to something.
Maybe he is telling you to speak up about an issue. You know it’s the right thing to do, but you are scared of what people will think of you.
Maybe it’s a mission trip opportunity at your church, but your brain is giving you excuses why you can’t go.
Or Maybe he is calling you to start a Bible Study, but you are too afraid.
Sometimes you need to take the stairs and trust God with your steps!
A couple of years ago, I got a call asking if I would be willing to go on a Young Life trip. There were only 2 girls, but they had no leader to take them to Camp. I had been praying and asking God to use me somewhere, so I knew I was supposed to step into this and say yes – Yet I was still questioning. I hadn’t done Young Life for over 5 years, “would I still be equipped to guide girls I had never met?”
Long story short, I went on the trip. It was a challenge, but in the end, I got to share the gospel with these girls. The part that surprised me was how God used another camp leader (who was a complete stranger) to pour into ME. I went on this trip, stepping out in faith, thinking It was about these teenage girls, but quickly realized God wanted to heal my own heart.
And he did.
That’s what happens when you take a risk. God transforms you.
This week, how can you take a risk of faith? I’ll be praying you can take the next step.
Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. 
