Risk Averse

We often glorify risk-taking in the context of business or personal ambition. We read about entrepreneurs who defy odds and politicians who challenge the status quo. But Ruth’s risk transcends these familiar narratives. It wasn’t about personal gain in the conventional sense; it was about honoring her commitment to Naomi and trusting in a future secured by divine providence.

My years in the insurance industry taught me the language of risk aversion – the meticulous calculations, the strategies for minimizing exposure. I became a Certified Risk Manager, adept at mitigating potential losses. Yet, no textbook prepared me for the kind of risk Ruth embodied. No seminar explored the courage it takes to surrender control and place oneself entirely in the hands of something larger.

Ruth’s story compels me to ask: What risks am I willing to take for God? History echoes with the footsteps of those who dared to defy the comfortable and the safe – the prophets who confronted kings, the martyrs who faced persecution, the reformers who challenged entrenched power. They didn’t just manage risk; they embraced it, fueled by an unwavering conviction.

We admire these figures, yet how often do we shy away from the unsettling call to radical obedience? Are we content to live within the safe confines of our comfort zones, or are we willing to step into the darkness, to lay ourselves at the feet of God, trusting that morning will bring redemption?

The question isn’t simply, “Am I a risk-taker?” but rather, “Am I willing to risk everything for the sake of God’s Kingdom?” It’s a question that demands a response not just with our lips, but with the very fabric of our lives.”