Christian faith involves committing one’s intellect (believing), will (doing), and heart (trusting). At its most fundamental, Christian faith is a personal trust in and reliance upon the God who has revealed Himself ultimately in Jesus Christ, for salvation and eternal life. It is not merely intellectual agreement with a set of facts (though it includes that), but a whole-person response—encompassing the mind, the heart, and the will—to the grace of God.
This article talks about the concept of “Risking faith” which generally refers to the Idea of trusting in God with belief despite uncertainty, fear, or potential negative consequences. It involves taking actions based on faith, even when those actions might seem illogical or uncomfortable. This might mean stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, acting on what one believes to be God’s will, or trusting in a future one cannot see.
Analogies and real life examples of risking faith are often seen in every person’s life journey. Risking faith means to take action based on trust, even when faced with uncertainty, doubt, or a lack of tangible evidence. Instance of starting a new venture, a business, ministry, or creative project based on a spiritual calling involves an element of risking faith. Sharing our Christian faith: even if it’s uncomfortable is requires a leap of faith. forgiving someone who has wronged us or choosing compassion and reconciliation despite hurt, making a sacrifice, giving up something you value for a higher purpose, obeying and carrying out a difficult command few such instances of risking faith .
Risking faith is it important for Spiritual Growth. Taking risks in faith can lead to deeper understanding, stronger belief, and personal transformation. When faith is lived out authentically, it can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Faith-based risks can inspire and encourage others, potentially impacting the world around you. Risking faith can be a way to test and strengthen our belief system. Above all, taking risks to obey the will of God is a necessary part of fulfilling His purpose for our life.
When we study the book of Joshua, we come across the risking faith and leadership of Joshua, the victorious culmination of witnessing miracles and accomplishment of Gods purpose of Israelites crossing Jordan and possessing of the Promised Land.
Accepting or embracing uncertainty:
Risking faith often requires accepting that the future is unknown and that outcomes are not guaranteed. It is accepting the unknown and unpredictable nature of life with a positive and proactive attitude, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of anxiety. This mindset involves acknowledging fear but choosing curiosity, developing thinking flexibility and emotional resilience, and focusing on the present moment instead of trying to control the uncontrollable. Ultimately, it’s about being comfortable with not knowing and using that space for discovery, adaptability, and creativity. Instead of viewing uncertainty as a threat, it’s reframed as a catalyst for new experiences, creativity, and personal growth. Mindfulness and being present in the moment are key tools. They help you deal with difficult feelings and thoughts as they arise without getting overwhelmed by future anxieties. Such faith helps building emotional strength to handle unpredictable situations and adapting your thinking as circumstances change (cognitive flexibility) and encourages a shift from the illusion of control to curiosity about what might happen, fostering a growth mindset that views challenges as learning opportunities. Embracing uncertainty doesn’t mean being apathetic or failing to act.
In the Book of Joshua, Joshua demonstrates how to embrace uncertainty by consistently turning to God for guidance rather than relying on his own understanding. The Israelites’ conquest of Canaan was a journey full of unknowns, yet Joshua’s faith and obedience offered a model for navigating these anxieties through God’s promises.
Acting in belief or spiritual conviction:
“Acting in belief” means taking actions that align with your convictions, rather than just holding opinions or beliefs privately. It involves more than just believing; it’s about acting on that belief, even when it feels risky. It involves making choices and performing actions based on what you think is right or important, whether in daily life, acting, or faith. Acting on belief is Demonstrating conviction to show our actions show what we truly believe, even if our beliefs are different from other people’s views. Making choices and decisions in life based on the convictions. It is a way to bringing ideas to life Instead of just talking about a belief, we take action without absolute proof by trusting in God and acting on those principles, even when things are uncertain or we cannot see the outcome. It is ultimately manifesting belief through action as it says Faith is often considered “dead” if it is not expressed through corresponding actions.
Joshua consistently acts in belief, placing his faith in God’s promises and instructions rather than relying on military logic or human strength. His leadership is a model of faithful obedience, even when the divine commands seem unorthodox or challenging.
Key instances of Joshua acting in belief include inheriting the land by trusting the promise as Moses’s successor; Joshua was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a task God had sworn to their ancestors. God reminded Joshua to be “strong and courageous” and not be afraid, because God would be with him. He took action by faith. His faith was not passive. He took God at His word and led the people forward to cross the Jordan River and claim their inheritance. Even though the orders from God were unusual Joshua instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the swollen Jordan River. In an act of profound belief, Joshua carried out this instruction. And witnessed the miracle as the moment the priests’ feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miracle publicly affirmed Joshua’s leadership, just as God had promised.
Allowing God to control our circumstances:
Risking faith means relinquishing control and trusting that God will guide and provide. It means stepping out of our Comfort Zone. Letting go of control involves focusing on what we can control, like your mindset and reactions, while accepting that many things are beyond your influence. Spiritual practices such as focusing on the present, trusting in the Word of God, identifying and dispelling the triggers of disbelief and anxiety, through prayers and practicing thankfulness and gratitude towards God. This mindset shift can lead to greater personal growth, improved relationships, and a deeper sense of peace and resilience.
Joshua demonstrates letting go of control and trusting God’s plan through his unwavering obedience to God’s often-unconventional commands. This dependence is most clearly shown in the contrasting stories of Jericho and Ai, where his trust led to victory, but a moment of self-reliance resulted in defeat. When preparing to conquer the heavily fortified city of Jericho, Joshua did not rely on military might or conventional siege tactics. Instead, he surrendered his human understanding of warfare and followed God’s unusual instructions. Following their miraculous victory at Jericho, the Israelites grew overconfident. This led to a critical moment where Joshua and the people briefly relied on their own abilities rather than God’s guidance during the battle in Ai.
Place trust in God:
At its core, risking faith is about placing trust in God, even when circumstances are challenging. Trusting in a God involves having faith in a plan or purpose beyond one’s own understanding, which can provide a sense of peace, resilience, and meaning. This trust can help overcome fear and stress, especially during difficult times, and is often built through spiritual practices like prayer, meditating the word of God, talking loudly affirmations from the word of God and acting out with brotherly love in family and larger community. Trusting a God also means taking personal action and accepting that we may not always know what is best for our lives.
Joshua, trust in a God is demonstrated through Joshua’s obedience, his courage to act despite not having all the answers, and his commitment to follow God’s commands, which in turn inspired the faithfulness of the Israelites. His leadership was characterized by a deep-seated reliance on divine guidance, believing that God would fulfill His promises and be with him every step of the way.
At the end of his life, Joshua’s farewell address reminded the people of the importance of choosing to serve the Lord, reinforcing the lifelong lesson he had learned about trusting God over self.
Conclusion:
The call to a risking faith is not just a lesson from history but a challenge for us today. It requires us to honestly assess whether we are living a life of safety and convenience or one defined by courage and service. Whether it involves a dramatic life change or a small act of trust in our daily lives, risking faith is how we declare our complete dependence on God. The call remains for us to move beyond a comfortable, static faith and into a dynamic, active one. By choosing to risk for the sake of our beliefs, we open the door to profound spiritual transformation and discover that the rewards of trusting God are far more extraordinary than playing it safe. It is an invitation to shed our fear of failure and embrace a life where our actions align with our deepest beliefs. Step out, and give God the chance to show you what He can do. For those who choose to take that leap, the fear of the unknown gives way to the deep and personal security that comes from knowing who holds the future.
