Risking Mediocrity
I love listening to motivational speeches. When I’m getting ready in the morning, when I’m cleaning, when I’m doing cardio – ok especially then (talk about needing motivation). Today’s theme seemed to be about taking risks. I must have listened to at least five talks today and they all shared this topic in some way.
Let’s be clear – not all risks are equal! The risks that I am referring to are those dreams and ideas that stir inside of you – the steps and opportunities that seem crazy or even impossible. We serve a God that is over the top. He knows what we are truly capable of (he made us after all) and he isn’t satisfied with mediocrity. When did we become that way? It seems like so often nowadays everywhere you look people are content living mediocre lives. We settle for a 2 or 3-star rating when God wants us to have a 5-star. He gives us these passions, ideas and dreams with a promise to see us through – if we are willing to trust him and take a risk.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25
Now taking a risk in and of itself isn’t the whole battle. Risks involve rewards, but they can also have consequences. New levels mean new devils. The more risks you take, the higher the odds are going to be against you. The more people are going to doubt you. The harder it is going to be to stay motivated. .
I don’t know about you, but in a way that is very intriguing to me. I love me an underdog, and God does too. There is just something about strength coming from weakness. You should be encouraged when you encounter difficulty. When you endure difficulty, it is so much more rewarding than an easy accomplishment. You learn that when you follow God’s lead – even when it’s risky – you now have his power flowing through your veins.
“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:9,12
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31
Turn fear of failure into refusal of failure. Simply don’t accept it. If you don’t allow failure to be an option – your whole perspective will change. We can take a lesson from Thomas Edison who once claimed: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failure is subjective. When you take failure out of the equation, risks seem less intimidating and more exciting.
Pay attention this week. I guarantee there will be a risk to take. You have to act quickly, though. Too many people spend their lives preparing or doubting themselves and they end up losing the opportunity to act. God is giving you this moment because you are capable of more than you think.
Don’t settle for a mediocre life. Take the risk, shed fear and refuse to fail.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
By Emily Meadows
