On Monday night Brandi went out to get something at the grocery store for dinner so I was left with the three boys alone for a few minutes. This usually means trouble.
While we were playing in the front yard I noticed Jett looking at the neighbors bicycle ramp. I said, “You want to try to jump that thing Buddy?”
He quickly replied “Me?”
“Yes you.” Thirty seconds later we were strapping his helmet on, I was getting my camera, and he was getting ready to head for the ramp.
In my defense I really didn’t think he would have the guts to do it. But he did. And most importantly he jumped it without breaking his arm. He was scared to death (just look at his face) but he took the risk.
I was reminded of how the older I get the more difficult it is to take risks. When I was 21 years-old and owned nothing but a junky car and a few things I could stuff in the car (including a plant) it was easy to take a risk and respond to God’s call to start a church. What did I have to lose?
The next church plant 6 years later was much more difficult. The ramp seemed a little steeper.
As I get older and I continue to accumulate possessions and responsibilities taking risks of any kind seems to be more dangerous. Yet it’s now I think I need to take these risks more than ever. I need to be reminded to place all my trust in Him.
God created us to be risk takers. Matthew 25:14-30 tells us about the three servants who were each given a certain amount of talents to care for. Two of the servants took risks with their talents and doubled their master’s money. But the bible says the third servant chose to dig a hole and hide his talent. The third servants excuse… “I WAS AFRAID”.
I think too often in the church today we produce followers of Christ who dig holes instead of taking risks. So let me encourage you today to jump the ramp. Trust God in some area of your life which scares you to death.
- Serve someone who doesn’t deserve it
- Confess a sin you’ve been hiding
- Pray with your spouse
- Forgive someone you’ve been harboring resentment against
- Give outrageously
- Say “yes” to God in some area you’ve been procrastinating
Where have you been playing it safe? What risk do you need to take today?
Awww…you had to go and mess with my “security” issue.
I love the pic!
What a brave boy!!!! Look at him go.
We are becoming risk takers…. it is good.
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Thank goodness, mine are past the bike ramp days. Theirs were always made from rocks and old planks, even more iffy.
Pete, this is a great reminder. It is easy for believers to settle into a traditional comfort zone and forget that Jesus calls us to step out. He always cuts across the grain of establishment and tradition.
I’ve played alot of things too safely in my 56(almost 57) years. One of them is failing to share the gifts God has given me. The Cross Point family has helped me a great deal in this regard.
Thanks for a great post.
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This has been a year of risks for me -in many different areas- call me “Evil Knieval”.
My ramp jumping skills are improving.
I am becoming less afraid with each hurdle I’ve crossed.
Which is a good thing because I was getting pretty old and stale.
I can’t help getting old, but God help me to NEVER be stale again!
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Great shot of your son! Way to go! The risk I have not been taking for over three years is reconnecting with the body of Christ in a church setting. Within the past 4 weeks, I have fallen back in love with a church setting that me and my family have longed for. Worship has been restored in my life…I have missed that. My wife has praise music on in the van each morning as she is journeying to school, and the kids love it. It’s all because Jesus asked me to stretch it out again, like the man with the withered hand…like you Pete, saying to take a chance. I think we can never, no matter how old we get, stop taking chances.
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As I read your post all I could think about was Fonzie jumping the sharks on Happy Days. You probably remember how they ended the episode with him in the air and you had to wait to next week to see if he safely lands on the other side with his leather jacket intact.
I think they call that a cliff-hanger. People are naturally drawn to those types of things. Do you suppose our life’s are to be cliff-hangers where the people around us can’t help but tune into our lives to see if see if we land safely or get eaten by the sharks?
Its easy to point to the times when God took us safely to the landing ramp… but how do we react when we land among the sharks? Maybe.. just maybe, people will be watching even more closely to see how we handle those moments.
I wonder if the Fonz would have lost his cool if he landed in the sharks…
Tony York’s last blog post..Old vs New
Your post makes me think if Yac. I loved reading his stuff. Here’s a good quote from one of his books:
Jump first. Fear later.
- Mike Yaconelli
Seriously……..are you in my head?
This week I made amends with someone about something I did 20 years ago….sweet freedom from those chains that bound me.
And as I’ve mentioned before….I am a mama of three boys that apparently have the “X-treme Gene” in them (even my little girl is quite the risk-taker)…and we have our own parking spot at the ER….but you gotta love and admire that they have the strength to take the risk(s) in life.
Love it!
Peace~
*~Michelle~*
@Michelle, Yes, I am.
I started to say I don’t know what my ramp is, but I think the Holy Spirit interrupted me to remind me I have six kids – maybe going on seven and we homeschool. It IS a steep ramp, but it’s God’s and I’ve definitely jumped! Maybe I’m not wearing a helmet, cause it sure feels like I bumped my head! HA!
Just read a devotional on the parable of the talents this morning. Heard a message on radio yesterday about it. Think God is trying to get me to jump and risk it more. Thank you for sharing this post, it’s another strong word I’m already stewing over.
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check out that form!! the front wheel’s up, eyes are focused, haha!
great post Pete
ryan guard’s last blog post..Matt Chandler’s got skills.
Pete, how ironic that this is today’s topic. I’m meeting with you this afternoon and can’t wait to talk to you about the ramp I’m thinking about jumping : )
Oh, and I think it’s awesome that you encourage your children to take risks!! I think as a child it is more common to hear “don’t” or “no” or “you shouldn’t” as opposed to “GO FOR IT!!” or “you CAN do it!” I hope he can hold onto that moment and reflect the next time he comes upon another “ramp” in his life.
right back @ Pete about being in my head.
Run. Run fast. Scary place!
HAHAHAHHAHAHAH!
*~Michelle~*’s last blog post..Time for a change….
Love the pic! The look on his face is priceless
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I love that picture. My boys are now 17, 16, and 12. Now the “ramps” are bigger. My oldest rides motorcycles and my youngest son is a scrawny little guy that loves football. I have a 4 yo daughter though so I think the Lord decided to let me keep some of my hair. LOL
You know Pete, I haven’t dared. My greatest fear is fear of rejection and I haven’t dared to jump that ramp. I want to and I will ride up to the top of the ramp and then I turn around and ride back down without really jumping. It’s funny because the Lord is so challenging me in so many ways that I know I will take the jump sooner or later.
My older boys had a ramp when they were small. My youngest son was 3 at the time and he charged up that thing on his bike (complete with training wheels) and jumped it. Snapped his training wheels right off. That day he also learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. He by far was the easiest to teach. I totally believe that it was because he didn’t know to be afraid. He saw his brothers do it and succeed and was totally believing he could do it. It never occurred to him to stop. THAT is the faith I am after.
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You should ask Jen about the ramp she made me jump with my Boys dirt Bike when we were kids
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Can Cooper come over and play?
I play it safe in only one area…marketing my music. Today I shall make rounds on Music Row. Thanks for the challenge.
I would love to hear more about your church planting experiences – on without wax or email or whatever – as we are into our second year at our first plat. Talk about a risk. And I still feel like I’m falling!
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Love this post, Pete. You rock. (And so does your son!)
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@Julie, the ramp of rejection is a very steep ramp. I’ve caught myself standing there just staring that one down several times.
I’ll be praying for you.
The list of things at the end. . . yeah that is what got me. Ouch. I need to do all of them. You are frustrating me Pete. Or should I say God is frustrating me through you.
Benji’s last blog post..Hardened Heart
Michelle is not the only head you are in…
I used to be as fearless as they came when I was young, but now that I’m getting up there, I feel paralyzed by different fears, some I can’t even name.
Thank you for writing. It’s good to hear a lot of the things that strike you.
I jumped my ramp last night and agreed to take over the leadership of my small group. My leader is bowing out at the end of this study, so I am taking the reins….scary, but I already feel awesome about it! Now, if I could just work on some of the other things on your list.
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I’ve been taking more risks in the last few months than I thought I would. I’m walking a fine line of which risks to take rather than whether or not to take a risk. It kinds sucks to be honest.
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dude, why did I come to your blog today, Man. It seems that all the bullet challenges are ramps for me. I have the bruises to prove it. My husband is home from the mental hospital after 9 months and he is on about all accounts doing very well, he is engaged in the family, getting back into the good groove, making good choices, not the least bit suicidual or depressed, yet I am holding my breath waiting for the crisis to hit, the wave to crash. I am standing on the edge of the ramp looking over the healed scars and pain just too fresh in my mind. I set my mind to believe God has done a good work and will be faithful to complete it, but I have unexpected flashbacks of the last 10 years and the craziness we lived in. He is praying for our family every nite, planning family time and executing, he is cooking dinner, and making our home homey again and yet I can’t engage. I didn’t think there was resentment or anger or fear but it catches off guard like a sucker punch. I need to put my my helmt (like in Ephesians) and jump the ramps, to allow God to do the good work in us, to see the Goodness instead of licking my wounds. Thanks again for this blog and challenge. It makes me laugh when you speak so clearly from the heat of the Father… God so cares..
Kristi Ottmar’s last blog post..new Fancy Pants
In the past, I’ve had a fear of lawn care because there was a Lawn Nazi living across the street from me making me feel inferior. Can you relate? Sorry. I’m in a silly mood.
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@Kristi, I understand you’re in a very difficult situation. I continue to pray for you often.
@Katdish,
I knew you would notice.
Pete
I just want to know 1 thing what did Brandi say when she saw the picture. just to let you know God is doing amazing things in my life,i can feel again & know He is there. Pete if you need anything just let me know.
Andy Depuy’s last blog post..God’s Oasis
Good grief, it’s a wonder your wife ever leaves the house!
My best friend just wrote about this on Facebook the other day. I was interested to read the responses. Some people agreed that they have become more reserved – or afraid – as they’ve gotten older. But others said the opposite – that as they’ve aged, they’ve become braver.
I’m constantly fighting the fear to just be me. Because it’s quite possible that ME isn’t good enough, that nobody will like ME.
But I’m learning. I want to be able to say – soon, I hope! – that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten braver.
Mary’s last blog post..One is silver, and the other is gold.
I totally agree. when we were young, doing things we now consider stupid was the norm. I heard a sermon that ask the question “would I be willing to do it again” and today my husband and I are in the process of planting a church. We are both in our early 60′s but refuse to grow old. In one sense we don’t have as much to risk as our boys are all grown and in ministry, but then we could not succeed and to some be a joke. God’s in control of the outcome, the process may be His purpose.
Ah….I remember the first ramp I jumped. It led to more ramps, bigger bikes and eventually motorcycles until…..
one day, riding dirt bikes on a friends farm I ran into a cow.
Yep, a cow. True story.
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oh Pete…..(sigh)
i need all kinds of courage to tell my husband I am now seeing a marriage counselor. I have gone twice and he only knows about the first time…a fight ensued and he won’t go…..I need to give him another chance to try so I need to tell him again….and probably get verbally attacked again. That was two weeks ago, a lot of tears ago, and 6 pounds lost since. He acts like nothing is wrong again. I need courage very badly. I have been face down in my Bible for months. Like many others who stop by here…struggling to be brave every day.
BTW I love to watch the way you love your kids….they are so lucky to have you and Brandi….
Gina, my heart goes out to you. I wanted to go to marital counseling with my ex- and ended up going solo for several weeks. The therapy helped me TREMENDOUSLY even though the marriage was not saved. (I was desperate to save it; my husband was desperate to be free.)
I will pray that you find courage to tell your husband the truth; telling the truth is sometimes so hard. I will pray that he will choose to go with you to therapy so that you can grow and learn and hurt and heal together. I will pray that both of you will reinvest in your marriage and be willing to make changes so that it can be the phenomenal relationship God intends marriage to be. But even if your husband chooses not to go, please go for yourself and rest in God’s love for you. In ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him…
I am currently divorced, have a really good relationship with my ex- (who, from the horror stories I hear from others, is a GREAT ex-husband), and am dating a wonderful loving man now. I really believe that God uses ALL the sour, seedy lemons in our lives to eventually give us a refreshing and sweet lemonade.
I will pray for you.
@ttm thank you more than I can say….pray I make the right decisions for my 4 children…..oldest is 7 youngest is 17 months. Feeling like I am on a terrible rollercoaster and I cannot get off.
I want to jump!
kc’s last blog post..Fun in the Mountains (click on pics to enlarge)
I want to comment on the state of your grass. Dude, what’s happened to you? Look at the neighbor’s yard across the street green and lush. One word: Chemlawn.
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I know this off the subject. I apologize. My mother is really sick. She stopped breathing last night during sleep. She has sleep apnea. The oxygen level fell below 23%, which is fatally low. I am worried sick about her. Doctors have told her to stop smoking many of times with her condition and she has yet to do so. So please, please pray for her. I can’t lose her yet.
Pete,
I am 21 years old and don’t drive. I have come up with every excuse under the sun. For a long time it was because I take medications, and they do affect my judgement. But the thing is, it REALLY sucks relying on others to drive me around. I am scared I will get in an accident, or make a poor judgement call.
I need to get the ball rolling. It will be a full year before I can drive on my own, but hey, thats better then waiting even LONGER.
I guess I will have to trust in God. Trust God will keep me safe.
As it is, I feel like I am part of the reason as to why my friends keep having bad things happen to their cars. They are on their way to get me, and either they have been broken into, or get in an accident. I realize this could have happen at another point in there day, but still… guilt. Not logical guilt, but it’s still there.
Anyways, thanks for sharing the picture, LOVED his face
This post reminds me of when I was a kid. I tried to jump a ramp that was much steeper, higher, unsturdy, and narrow. I got to the top and launched then flipped over the handlebars… pain, blood, and tears! I never tried to jump again. Too often we attempt things beyond our reach and fail. The we give up. We all need to be faithful with the few things we are given and grow from there.
Roye Glass’s last blog post..Pray, Pray, Pray!
@James Taylor, sharing your heart and asking for prayer is never off topic on this blog.
Sorry to hear about your mom and I’ll certainly be praying for her.
Thanks, Pete. I need the prayers.
Julie’s last blog post..Do you dare to see
To be honest after reading this I had a moment where I wished I hadn’t clicked over to your site this evening. I’ve never been a risk taker. I’ve always played it safe. AND there are things that I get really good at hiding because I’m afraid of what others (my friends) will think of me. Lately, I’ve been feeling nudged about this. Then I read this post. It would have been much easier if I had never read this. But God knew better.
Even though I know it’s going to be hard… I NEEDED to hear this… and I think it gave me the courage to do what I need to do.
1.) One of the ways that a few friends and I are planning on serving on Friday. I’m excited, but also scared. It’s a crazy idea, and crazy ideas are scary until you actually do them.
2.) This might not sound like a big deal, but lately, I’ve been really pressed by God to get up earlier to spend time with Him before I do anything else. Knowing it is one thing, and doing it is totally different. Actually getting to the point where I DO wake up early on a regular basis is a small ramp that I have to jump right now.
susan’s last blog post..Exuma 2009
I guess I’m just a chicken because I play alot of things safe.
Thank you for this incredible post. My husband and I desire for our family of 5 to be risk takers and God is slowly transforming us. For the first 14 years of marriage and parenting we dug alot of holes, so now we yield and submit and pray and are starting to take some risks. We are trusting he will continue to help us take more risks inorder to glorify him better! Blessings to your family!
Wendy Ingram’s last blog post..God’s Provision
Thank you for your post. I am reminded of the biggest ramp of my life to date… and thankfully it has made all other “ramps” seem like small potatoes. 10 years ago this August I left my abusive husband. I took my 1 year old daughter, the clothes on our back and left. It was the hardest day of my life but unfortunately very necessary after “getting help” for more than a year and the threats, near misses, and emotional abuse kept on coming. I had to leave the home I had poured my heart and soul into for 2 years and all of my sentimental belongings. I admit by the time I left it was harder to leave my things and the security of my life as knew it than it was to leave him…nonetheless I walked out that door and never was tempted to go back. That “ramp” led me to a new city, new friends, and more importantly a relationship with God! I had always been searching (when I was 7 I began walking to the nearest church by myself because I knew that I needed God but my parents refused to beleve) and my journey after leaving my husband led me to who I needed most. I know that this is a lot of sharing in a comment post but I just wanted to confirm that there are times that the ramp will seem SO BIG and yet it truly is the one that needs to be taken. I obviously continue to face ramps that are optional in life, but they do get easier with practice.
Thank you for sharing on this blog Pete. You are an inspiration to so many! You are very gifted in speaking the Lords message and I pray that one day I will get to sit in the congregation to hear you preach the word…it is a long drive but I believe worth it
@Laurie D, Wow! Thank you so much for being brave enough to share your life with us. So glad God is working in your life.
I need to make myself vulnerable to people and not keep my distance. Let God use me. I need to find accountability and not wait until I think I’m “right” enough.
Chris Sullivan’s last blog post..Nothing Too Big, Nothing Too Small
Got my own risk-taking, ramp-jumping, intersection-crossing blog post going on today. Still not settled with it all, but it’s there and what I do the next time will be the telling, I guess.
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Way to go Jett! This photo is bringing back memories. Keep up the great work Pete. I enjoy listening to your podcast and reading your blog. About 12 years back went from following the Grateful Dead to following Jesus while living in Green Hills (Nashville). Spent last few years church planting in New Zealand and now in Malaysia. Taking lots of risks and “breaking an arm” or two. But love living way out of my comfort zone. One thing I’ve learned is the Lord is calling all Christ followers to live way outside their comfort zones. Jesus certainly left His comfort zone in heaven to fulfill His purpose!
@John, Thanks so much. I Would love to hear more about you journey including the church planting! I bet you have some interesting stories.