#SlightlyRisky

The Blackhawk  was heavy. Not only did it carry a full crew and their equipment, but there was also eight firemen, their equipment, plus shovels and pick axes. They were flying to a mountain in Yellowstone National Park. Three states were engulfed in raging fires and the firemen were to dig trenches to try to halt the blaze. My son was the pilot and this was his first mission as a Pilot-In-Command. He would need all his schooling and training to accomplish this dangerous mission.  The lives on board and the $10,000,000.00 bird that had been entrusted to him was always his primary concern - getting back home safely.

He picked a spot on the top of a mountain and attempted to land.  He was too heavy and there was not enough power to control the rotors.  It was at 12,000 feet where the air is very thin and gusts of wind were coming from different directions.  He had learned to made sure there was an escape route before landing.  He quickly flew down the side of the mountain and gained power and flew around for another approach.  One more attempt and the same problem developed.  The engines were screaming.  Down the side of the mountain he went a second time and all the while he was burning fuel and becoming lighter.  The third attempt was successful and with a big "whew" he told the fire fighters to get out quickly.  When he finished telling me this story he said, "It was risky business, but, boy, did I learn so much on that mission."

Walking by faith is 'risky business' also.  Peter came to my mind later and the episode he had that became risky business.  Jesus had told the disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of Lake Galilee and He would come to them later.  They had gone a good distance when the wend became strong and 'contrary'.  Then Jesus came to them walking on the water.  They became terrified, but Peter asked Jesus to ask him to "come to You on the water." Jesus said, "Come."  Peter believed his Lord and got out of the boat and started walking on the water.  The wind and big waves distracted him and he became frightened.  It was risky business, this walking on water and fear dispelled faith and he began to sink.  Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and saved him.  Jesus was Peter's escape route.

A believer's walk of faith can be risky business.  We sense God leading us to do something and we ask for guidance and we get out of our comfort zone and begin moving forward.  Most usually there are obstacles ahead.  Hardly ever is it smooth sailing.  The obstacles can put doubts in our minds, if we are not steadily looking to Jesus and fear can develop, or we can just know that Jesus has our backs and overcome.  He is faithful, no matter the circumstances and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your faith and will provide the way of escape.  If you don't get out of your safe boat you will never know His faithfulness or learn how to overcome.