Would You Dare?
“I triple dog dare ya!”
A saying children would make to taunt you, to incite you to take the dare. Well as a child I didn’t take the dare and as an adult I’m not much of a risk taker still. No big bold claims, no risky financial investments, no bungie jumping or parasailing. NOPE. I like to keep my feet firmly on the ground with some semblance of control.
But what is control? Just an illusion, really. A false sense of security. The risk taker is willing to surrender control, throwing caution to the wind, thus creating space to catch the current and take flight. Yesterday I watched a majestic bird in flight. This bird sailed, dove, rose again and swooped down and up again he went, gracefully catching a current and riding it. He would have expended much more energy flapping his wings to set about his course. But the bird knows he can take a risk, catch a current and allow the current to carry him as opposed to fighting against it.
Last night I was given a challenge, a dare of sorts. I was asked to write down the ONE thing I needed God to do for me this week. I was asked to take a risk and take God at His word. I was asked to BELIEVE God for just ONE thing and to write it down.
But would I dare. An immediate panic hit my heart. I dare not utter the THING that I really wanted Him to do this week. Let me play it safe. I’ll tuck away the thing I really need to believe Him for in order to choose the safe thing. I’d rather pick the safe thing because if the true thing that I want to offer up isn’t fulfilled but this other thing is then I won’t be disappointed. If I pick this other thing then I won’t be let down. Yeah, let me pick the safe thing.
But the Father, in His loving kindness is always close at hand and close in our hearts. He gently tapped me and asked, “Daughter why do you doubt? More than you know I want to help you. I see the situation and I’m ready to work a miracle.”
Even in light of that truth, I backpedaled even further, layer reasoning on top of what the Father already uttered. So off to sleep I went, not writing down that ONE thing. But when I awoke as I do every morning a song played in my heart. And the song this morning says, “You’re a great God. You are great. Yes you’re a great God. You are great!” As that refrain repeated over and over, my mind began to catch up with what my Spirit already knows. Indeed He is a great God and wants to move mightily in my life and in yours. But have we tied His hands?
Have you, by way of your thinking, restricted God’s mobility? Do you have the Father in a straight jacket? Have you put the Holy Spirit under house arrest? He wants to lead you, to guide you, to walk you into the fulfillment of His will for your life but are you hampering the process with your hesitation to take a risk?
If you’re going to taste and see….it requires you to take a bite.
If you’re going to try Me now in this…it requires you to exercise your faith.
If you’re going to walk in paths of righteousness…it requires you to take a step.
I don’t think I’m much of a risk taker. But when I look back over my life I see that I’ve taken many risks. As a child I went all over the city on public transportation by myself. RISK. I left all that was known and familiar to attend college. RISK. I took rides with strangers. RISK. I quit my job to become a homemaker. RISK. I surrendered my womb and as a result have bore 6 children. RISK. I allow Him to lead me daily not knowing where my life is headed. RISK.
So I guess I am a risk taker after all. I challenge you. I double dog dare YOU. Take a risk. Take God at His word.
What is ONE thing you need Him to do for you this week? As my sister challenged me, tag, you’re it. I now challenge you. WRITE IT DOWN. Believe. And watch God work a miracle. Would you type that ONE thing in the comments so I can pray with you? I know He’s able to bring it to pass.
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Chasing Community, Grace & Truth
This is most timely as I have a serious matter coming up on Tuesday. I want to shed my fears and show the true Life that abides in me. His grace is more than sufficient!
Blessings to you!!!
Karen,
I stand in agreement with you. As a believer in the ONE that is the way, truth and LIFE, may you walk boldly and allow your spirit which is greater within you to emanate forward. He has come that you may have LIFE. Embrace the new life which you possess. While fear is a natural emotion it shall not overtake you. The love of Christ permeates your being and expels the fear. May you approach Tuesday with renewed vigor! He has granted you the ability to come with boldness to receive access.
Hi Tyra! Risk takers of the world, unite! That’s how I feel after reading your post. My one thing for this week is to trust God with my parenting (and His Parenting). Sometimes my mind conjures up boy mama drama — unnecessarily. Thanks for your insightful words. Blessings to you!
Yes yes yes; risk takers, bold believers, faith walkers UNITE! My one thing involves two of my children so we are in the same territory. And here is a quick answer to your prayer. I know (and not because I’m the author but because God orchestrated your request right at this time) I’ve got part of the answer. My new book, Purposeful Parenting will meet you RIGHT at your place of need. Wow, look at God, He does a quick work. The eBook is available now on Amazon, print will be available 5/30. Praying with you Sis.
I’m taking the dare; dared it this morning in prayer. In order to taste and see you have to bite. Always some action required on our part.
Stopping by from #ChasingCommunity
Yes friend make your request known, stand in faith, and watch it manifest.
I’m not much of a risk taker either. But, I’ve taken some of the risks you mentioned. I didn’t consider them risks, but you put a new light on them. : ) I stepped out as a blogger 2 years ago. Now I’m stepping out as a speaker. I’ll keep you posted.
Sheila,
Hear the word of the Lord “I have a group whose ear is attuned to receive my message through you. Move forward by my spirit and with my power”, says the Lord.
Inspiring post, Tyra. I can’t wait to hear an update on what God did with your one thing. 🙂 Love that you wake up with a song every morning. 🙂 — My one thing — I think would be my children’s well-being. Spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, the whole shebang. 🙂 Thanks for praying with me. Praying with you as well. ((hug))
Well my friend it seems our one thing has us in the same chapter of the same book. I’m resting on His promises but petitioning for a specific breakthrough for 2 of my 6. United with you in prayer.
and may I add: you had me at the yellow sweater!
Sue,
Beautiful friend you be be like Abigail having discernment and wisdom on when to speak and move. And this multitasking mama of 6 has click to tweet but nearly half the time I forget to use it ? so thanks for reminding me. Now that’s sisterhood, looking out for one another. And in that photo shoot I decided to get out of my “uniform” of khaki, black and white and wear things that better match my personality. Hugs to u today?
You have some tweetable lines, btw, want to add that feature?
To speak the truth in love to someone near and dear to me. (OR to not and leave the speaking to the Spirit – not sure.)
Great post, dear fellow-risk taker!
Manifested healing from sever pain in my right leg.
Christina,
The moment I read your sentence, the spirit in me quickened and said, “On the cross I bore every infirmity. FAITH! Your faith is making you whole”, says the spirit of the living God.
I’m praying with you.