Curious if it’s cool to take risks according to the Bible? Well, the Good Book doesn’t shy away from the topic. In fact, it’s packed with stories of faith-fueled risk-takers. Think of David slinging stones at Goliath or Peter stepping out of the boat onto water. The Bible makes it clear: taking risks is part and parcel of a life of faith. But here’s the kicker—it’s not about being reckless. It’s about discerning God’s call and stepping out in faith, even when it’s scary. Risk-taking, in the biblical sense, is about trusting God’s plan more than our own comfort zones.
Feeling a bit hesitant about stepping out of your comfort zone? Dive into what the Bible has to say about taking risks and discover how faith plays a huge role in stepping into the unknown.
What Does the Bible Say About Taking Risks?
When you flip through the pages of the Bible, it becomes evident that God often calls His people to take significant risks. But here’s the thing: these risks are never about seeking thrill for thrill’s sake. They’re about obedience, faith, and stepping into God’s calling, even when it leads into uncharted territory.
The biblical approach to risk is fundamentally different from the world’s. It’s not about reckless abandon or gambling with our lives. Instead, it’s about discerning God’s will and taking steps of faith that align with His purposes. This kind of risk-taking often requires courage, trust, and a willingness to leave behind comfort and certainty.
In the stories of Abraham, Moses, Esther, and many others, we see a pattern: God calls, and His people respond. Sometimes this means leaving home, standing up against injustice, or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. But the underlying theme is clear—true fulfillment and purpose are found not in safety and comfort, but in following God’s lead, wherever it may take us.
This doesn’t mean that all risk is good or that we should seek out danger. The Bible encourages wisdom, discernment, and seeking God’s guidance. The risks we take should be led by the Spirit, not by our own desires or the pressure of others. They should be rooted in love, aimed at serving God and others, and aligned with the teachings of Jesus and the principles of Scripture.
Taking risks in the biblical sense means stepping out of the boat, like Peter, focusing on Jesus amidst the waves and wind. It’s about faith in action, trusting that God is with us, that He is for us, and that He has a plan for our lives that is worth any leap of faith.
God’s view on taking risks is all about trust. Trust that He knows what He’s doing, trust that He’s got our backs, and trust that, in the end, our faith-filled risks will lead to growth, deeper reliance on Him, and the advancement of His kingdom. In this light, taking risks becomes an act of worship, a declaration of our faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
Bible Verses About Taking Risks
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse is a powerful reminder that God calls us to be courageous, which often means taking risks as we follow His leading.
- Matthew 14:29 – “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” Peter’s decision to step out onto the water is one of the most vivid examples of taking a risk in faith. It shows us that focusing on Jesus can give us the courage to do the impossible.
- Esther 4:16 – “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther’s decision to approach the king, risking her life to save her people, illustrates the profound impact of risk taken out of love and duty.
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This verse lays the foundation for understanding biblical risk-taking. It’s about moving forward in confidence, based on faith in God, even when we can’t see the outcome.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This wisdom from Proverbs encourages us to trust God over our own judgments, a principle that often requires taking steps of faith into the unknown.
- Daniel 3:17-18 – “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s stand against King Nebuchadnezzar is a stark example of risking everything for faithfulness to God, showcasing their absolute trust in God’s deliverance, regardless of the outcome.
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This declaration by Paul is a testament to the empowering nature of faith in Christ. It suggests that taking risks is not just about human bravery or willpower, but about relying on the strength that God provides.
- 1 Samuel 17:45 – “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'” David’s confrontation with Goliath is perhaps one of the most iconic risk-taking moments in the Bible. It highlights the idea that with God on our side, we can face even the most daunting challenges.
- Acts 4:19-20 – “But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.'” Peter and John’s refusal to stop preaching about Jesus, despite the risks of persecution, underscores the call to obey God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse from Paul to Timothy encourages believers not to be paralyzed by fear but to embrace the power, love, and self-discipline that come from the Holy Spirit. It’s a call to face risks with a godly mindset, knowing that our actions are grounded in love and guided by wisdom.
These verses weave together a tapestry of faith, courage, and trust in God. They remind us that biblical risk-taking isn’t about reckless behavior but about moving forward in faith, guided by God’s wisdom and empowered by His strength. Whether it’s stepping out in ministry, making a bold move in obedience to God’s call, or standing up for what’s right, the Bible shows us time and again that when God is at the center of our risks, incredible things can happen.