As you know, our theme this year is courage. This resonates deeply with me because it’s an area where God has been challenging me over the past year. Through this journey, I’ve realized that many of my past struggles were rooted in fear.
Looking back, I can see how I allowed fear to influence my choices, affect my relationships, and even hinder my walk with God. In short, I let the enemy use fear to steal my joy.
That’s why I chose Joshua 1:9 as our verse for the summer:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to act despite it. It’s facing difficulty, danger, or uncertainty with confidence, determination, and faith. True courage enables us to persevere, take risks, and stand firm in our values, even when it costs us personally.
Recently, I listened to a message by Pastor Robert Madu at Life Church called “We Out Here.”.” He broke down faith in action using the acronym R-I-S-K, showing that faith goes beyond belief—it requires stepping out, embracing uncertainty, and taking action.
“Faith isn’t just belief—it’s also action, and it requires risk.” – Robert Madu
Faith is a lot like standing at the base of a rock wall. You can study it, plan, and pray—but at some point, you have to step onto the rock. Every move requires trust, intentionality, and courage. The outcome isn’t always certain, but you climb anyway because you believe the summit is worth it.
R – Risk: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
Even though I climb, I’m naturally risk-averse. I prefer to “stick clip” or learn every move before attempting a lead climb. But this past year, I’ve been pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone by taking risks both in trad and sport climbing.
As I’ve done this, God has shown me how often I’ve avoided risk in other areas of my life. I’ve let fear of the unknown stop me from pursuing what He’s called me to do, simply because I couldn’t see how it would work out. But God calls us to step out even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed—trusting His promise of victory.
I – Intention: Purposefully Following Jesus
David stepped forward to face Goliath, not because he was the strongest, but because he trusted God completely. In 1 Samuel 17:37, he said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Recently, I was on a route called Under Exposure in Custer State Park. The path of the climb made it impossible to cheat my way up. I had no choice but to fully commit to leading the climb. I was terrified and even squealed like a baby at one point. But I made it by praying first and then climbing with intention. Every foothold and handhold had to be deliberate.
In the same way, following God requires intentionality. We pray, seek wise counsel, gather resources, and surround ourselves with support. Every step is deliberate as we move toward the summit He’s calling us to.
S – Sacrifice: Giving Up Something for Our Faith
In 2 Samuel 24:24, David declares, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
Climbing’s best routes demand effort—they leave us with sore muscles, scraped hands, and moments of fear. Likewise, faith requires sacrifice. It means giving up comfort, security, or pride to honor God.
When God calls, the sacrifice can seem overwhelming—time, resources, relationships. But I’ve learned:
- Every sacrifice in obedience has been worth it—because He is faithful.
- Setbacks aren’t failures—they’re God’s protection.
- The cost of obedience doesn’t compare to the blessing of walking in His will.
These truths anchor me when the climb feels costly.
K – Kingdom Focus: Living for What Lasts
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
A climber’s focus is always upward. In faith, our eyes must stay fixed on God’s kingdom—not on personal comfort or safety.
This Chick Climber ministry, our devos, our relationships—all of it is about His kingdom. Every calling and purpose is ultimately about leading others to Christ. That’s what makes the risks worth it.
At the end of his message, Pastor Madu reminded us: If you want real faith, you must be willing to risk something—trusting God and moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain.
Like climbing, faith demands courage, obedience, and the willingness to leave the safety of the ground—believing the summit is worth it because God is with you every step of the way.
As you climb today, consider: Where is God asking you to take a RISK by courageously stepping out in faith?