How do I best blend risk and caution? - Caution - TouchPoints

Judges 7:10-15“If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” . . . Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. . . . His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”

Fear keeps you from taking risks. Caution keeps you from risking too much. The first step in balancing risk with caution is to identify what exactly is making you afraid to take the risk and then confirming whether or not that fear is legitimate. It is surprising how often your fears have no basis. Gideon was cautious about battling the powerful armies, but God showed him that the risk would be worth it. Be wise, be prayerful, listen to good advice, and don’t let your fears or worries take over. Seek God. He will show you the way he wants you to go.

Proverbs 27:12A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Nehemiah 4:12-23The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. . . . we all returned to our work on the wall. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. . . . We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.

Nehemiah anticipated the obstacles to his work of rebuilding the wall and carefully planned for various contingencies. Following God and taking risks doesn’t mean rushing headlong without any planning. God expects you to be wise, even as you move ahead into unknown territory.

Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 14:15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

Proverbs 21:5Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Proverbs 24:27Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

You will never be a success or fulfill any dreams if you don’t take the first step. Don’t let fear of making a mistake paralyze you. Prayerfully consider what you want to do, plan how you will do it, and then move ahead with God’s guidance.