Last week I wrote about how sometimes during Fantasy Drafts certain players may be the boring pick, but because of how consistent and reliable they are, they're the right pick. We shouldn’t reluctantly take these players, but be excited about picking them. I believe that to be true, but there are other opportunities during a Fantasy Draft where we must be willing to exercise boldness and confidence to take a risk on specific players. We don’t want to be foolish by taking risks too early in a draft or draft players that have major injury or character concerns that can totally derail our season. However, there are rounds later in the draft that present us with choices to pick risky players who have huge potential to break out and overachieve based on where they are selected. Instead of playing it safe, and to reap the benefits, we must be willing to take a step of faith. We understand how risky it is to draft a rookie tight end or a wide receiver buried on the depth chart, but when we sense it’s time to take a chance and go for a certain player, as Fantasy managers we must be willing to do it. We don’t do so recklessly or without serious consideration, but with Fantasy wisdom and faith, we choose to take the proper risk at the right time. As followers of Jesus, we know His way is always the right way, but sometimes what He asks us to do isn’t "safe" or comfortable and requires us to take a big step of faith. There are times when we'll sense the Holy Spirit leading us to take a chance and after prayerful consideration and with wisdom, we must choose to take the proper risk. This requires us to have boldness and confidence in Jesus as we trust Him with every decision we make as we live by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) tells us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 (ESV) says, “So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” As we walk closely with God, there are key moments in our lives when we must exercise our bold faith and make choices that outsiders may view as “risky,” or “taking a gamble.” In these moments, we demonstrate our faith in our Almighty God by obeying what He’s clearly leading us to do. We don’t act recklessly, irrational, or unwise, but in faith, we boldly and confidently go for it. One of the most important things we boldly do as followers of Jesus is proclaiming the Gospel and declaring where we place our trust. 2 Corinthians 3:12 (ESV) reminds us, “...since we have such a hope, we are very bold…” The apostle Paul is a great example of boldness and faith as he went “preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and boldness, unhindered and unrestrained” (Acts 28:31; AMP). When we step out in faith, we reveal that our trust and confidence are in an all-knowing, loving, and powerful God. Instead of playing it safe out of fear, we need to take a faithful risk forward, as we trust God with unhindered and unrestrained faith. We have the conversation…we make the move…we confess…we forgive…we pray…we obey...and we don’t hesitate. Today, when we're led to take a faithful risk forward let’s be encouraged by this wonderful blessing found in Hebrews 13:21 (NLT): “…may He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that You give me a big faith. Help me have the boldness and confidence to go for it when I feel You leading me to move in a clear direction. I pray I wouldn’t let fear get in the way of taking faithful risks. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Describe a time in your life when you took a faithful risk and God gave you the boldness and confidence you needed.
What situation do you face right now that fear is holding you back from doing what you know you're supposed to do?
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