We had a few guys in our class who were wild and fearless. They never played it safe. Instead, they lived in the middle of the gym. They’d jump, duck, twist, and lean until one of the balls finally got ‘em. Occasionally, they’d win; but win or lose, they put it all on the line. They left satisfied, knowing they hadn’t taken the easy road.

The Kingdom of God benefits when we stop playing it safe. When we take seriously verses like Psalm 73:26, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” ‘God is my portion’ = He’s enough for me. Even if I’m getting pelted by the enemy, God’s enough. His strength makes me bold. I like what Russ said last week: “God doesn’t just make us feel better in our circumstances. He makes us feel bold.”

I was in my last semester of PE in 10th grade. It seems silly now, but I remember thinking, “If I’m ever going to stop playing it safe, it’s got to be now. There won’t be many more chances.” I ventured out into the middle – with the real studs – and got pelted in less than a minute. I left the game with my head held high. I hadn’t played it safe. My team was better off because of my choice. I was better off, too.

I never scurried back to the safety of the wall again.