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IN HIS FOOTSTEPS: Leadership and Risk-Taking

During a Mission in Kit
A Guide to Effective Leadership

Devotion 12. July 12, 2025

Matthew 14:22-33 

One of the challenging truths about leadership is risk-taking. Consider a risk you have faced. How did it influence your decisions as a leader? Are you aware that effective leadership often requires taking risks? Risk-taking in leadership reflects a leader’s faith. Like Jesus, who left all the glory and comfort of heaven and descended into the grave, only to be lifted, leadership involves stepping into the unknown. 

A Lesson from Peter's Experience

In His example, Jesus demonstrated the importance of risk-taking by warning Peter and encouraging him to cast aside doubt and build faith to confront risks. “...O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” 14:31. Building on this, it is clear that risk-taking shapes our leadership skills, as it is founded on the power of faith. Peter took a risk to meet Jesus in a stormy sea to prove if he was the one. Soon, he wavered with fear and sank, only to be rescued by Jesus. Peter's risk-taking lacked faith, and therefore, Jesus challenged him. Leaders should take risks boldly in every circumstance with faith. 

A Personal Experience

Similarly, in one of our evangelism missions, we had no money to hire additional vans, but as leaders, we took the risk since a large number of people wanted to participate. Our only van transported a few members, but miraculously, we received three more vans that accommodated everyone. As a result of our hopeful prayers, everyone was able to participate in the three-day mission. 

The Benefits of Risk-Taking

As a result, when leaders take risks, it helps them lead with confidence and build trust in the people they lead. By stepping out in faith, leaders can trust God’s sovereignty and divine help in times when they feel defeated. This, in turn, will inspire those they lead. 

A Call to Action

With this in mind, think about a beneficial project that requires confronting the risks of life. How would you convince yourself or church members to participate in it? What different things will you do if it requires taking risks to approach a dictatorial leader? Jesus accepted risks and laid down his life for us. Can you compromise your life or family time for the sake of the suffering orphans in the streets? 

Conclusion

In conclusion, risk-taking is an essential part of leadership, grounded in faith. This helps leaders to lead with confidence and trust God’s sovereignty and provisions. As you lead, remember to take bold steps, not like doubting Peter, to confront risks with even the little faith you have. God will help you. 

Prayer.

Dear God, I am imperfect and always frail when faced with risks. Help me today to take risks as Jesus demonstrated to perfect my leadership. Let me trust in Your sovereignty when my faith wavers like Peter’s. Amen. 

May this prayer be part of you to remind you about the importance of risk-taking in leadership, and may you find the courage and seek God's wisdom to confront every risk so that you may inspire others to value taking risks as part of effective leadership.


Ayella John Bosco

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