It’s been said that “the frontiers of the kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution.” That’s certainly one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in ministry.
In fact, anything that I’ve really accomplished for the kingdom came because I denied my fears to take a step into the unknown, where I couldn’t see the end, or often, even what to do next.
My Risky Opportunity
My decision to launch my own ministry happened in just this way. It was definitely never my plan to start this in my late 20s. Rather, I intended to be a part of some others for a while and then possibly consider doing something on my own much later.
But God had other plans. And while I was employed with another ministry, an opportunity presented itself that, after much prayer, seemed unmistakably from God.
Still, while the opportunity seemed promising, it wasn’t certain. And to pursue it meant I would have to quit my current post before knowing whether or not the potential open door would actually open. In this season, my mind relentlessly questioned: “What if it doesn’t happen? Then you’ve quit your job for nothing.”
Still, I couldn’t shake the small voice urging me to take the risk—to jump in over my head—to do it—even if I had to do it scared. And so I did.
The Big Rewards of Big Obedience
Now, at least several years later, I live in the reward of my obedience. To be sure, not everything happened in the timing that I had hoped. But everything happened in the right times and in better ways than I could’ve planned. No, it wasn’t always easy (and still isn’t!), but I’m undoubtedly glad I took the risk when it was presented.
We all know that risk is never easy; and it’s almost always accompanied with pain and sacrifice. But I can attest that the big rewards of big, risky obedience are always worth the costs. Luke’s account of Jesus calling His first disciples provides a fitting illustration of this.
While ministering to a large crowd, a group of fishermen caught Jesus’ eye from off in the distance (Luke 5:1-4). These men had fished all night and caught nothing. But just when they were cleaning up and ready to call it a day, Jesus issued them a challenge: “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4, emphasis added).
Essentially, Jesus told the men that they were fishing in shallow water—that they were playing it too safe! With this, He called them to go to a place where they would be in over their heads. It’s not a stretch to imagine that the men were tired from fishing all night—and skeptical (they were professional fishermen, after all). But after a bit of hesitancy, they did the uncomfortable—they went out into the deep and let down their nets. The result of their obedience? They were rewarded with so many fish that their net began to tear!
Press Past the Fear
Is God is asking you to do something that’s uncomfortable? Here’s a promise that often helps me to press past any fear. Meditate on God’s words to Joshua as He tasked him to possess the promised land: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).
Allow these words to transcend time and speak to you personally today. Be encouraged: You can take the risk of obedience knowing that God is with you! It’s His job to assure your safety—not yours.
So step into the unknown. Jump into the deep. When you go beyond your comfort zone and into a place where you can’t touch, there’s where you’ll experience your greatest rewards. {eoa}
Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the No. 1 spiritual warfare app; and his recent Scripture confessions album, Experience Freedom, has helped thousands identify with the truths of God’s Word. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer