Ready to Risk: Faith for the Future
Summer at The Bayou - Part 4
July 20, 2025
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie ten Boom
God’s people must be faith-ready—not fear-driven.
“18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ 20At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
Stage 1: Why do we resist change?
Fear
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Every great move of God starts with leaving something behind.
“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Luke 5:8 (NIV)
Stage 2: Why do we doubt?
Insecurity
“10Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent …’ 11The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? ... 12Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’” Exodus 4:10-12 (NIV)
Doubt doesn’t disqualify you.
“29Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:29-30 (NIV)
Stage 3: Why is change so uncomfortable?
Control
“5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Discomfort is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth.
“16Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ 17Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’” Matthew 16:16-18 (NIV)
Stage 4: What excites me about this change?
Anticipation
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
When we begin to discover who Jesus truly is, we also begin to discover who we truly are.
“15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ 16Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ 17The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’ … 19then He said to him, ‘Follow me!’” John 21:15-17,19 (NIV)
Stage 5: What have I gained through this loss and change?
Confidence
“3… we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame …” Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
God often uses what broke you to build you.
“14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.’ … 38‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’ … 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:14,38,41 (NIV)
Stage 6: What has changed in me?
Gratitude
“6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, 7… overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
The change you feared is now the growth you thank God for.
Peter helped change the world. But first, he had to let Jesus change him.
“6… though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
What risk is God telling you to take?
Where are you in the change cycle?
If you want a more interactive experience on mobile and to save the outline to your files, download our app via the App Store or Google Play.