The Point of No Return?

In Hebrews chapter 4, we get some insight into the ability we have through Christ to keep from falling:
9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

The concept of falling is one that permeates Scripture - if we stay true to God, we may not always succeed in our endeavors in our own eyes, and we may fall down or fall short, bu we can know that He is faithful and He will give us the resolve to try again, and perhaps next time, incorporating our experience, we will see a greater measure of success for His glory.   So when we fall, confident that we are walking in obedience, we can get back up.

And, we can fall because of disobedience, facing the consequences of wrong choices - but even then, when we stray off God's best path for us - we can know Him as our restorer.   He forgives our sins and corrects our path.   There is not a point of no return as long as we are in this world and willing to confess our sins and press in to the Lord.

The book of Jude, verses 24 and 25, say:
24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  I came across some news on risk-takers yesterday...you had a report of a world-record holding surfer and known thrill-seeker Garrett McNamara, who  is believed to have surfed the biggest wave ever, a 100-footer he rode off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal, according to Wired.com.

Word of the feat still has to be confirmed by the good folks at Guinness, but the 45-year-old Hawaiian is stoked by the accomplishment.

“Thank you for all your support. It means the world to me,” McNamara tweeted on Monday. “Today was an awesome day and so fun to be out there.”

He already held the title for the biggest wave ever surfed, having nailed a 78-footer at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Nazaré last year. This record was originally reported to be 90 feet and not the actual 77.7559 feet that was later announced after video and photo analysis. So was this really a record breaker? Whatever the final outcome, that was one amazing ride.

The same website had some news about a photographers that places himself in situations where he is, well, at risk - falling off a building, wrecking a bike, tripping and falling down the stairs - it's done through some skilled, well-timed photography, and the assistance of a rope - something that Nik Wallenda did not have yesterday as he walked a tightrope 200 feet across a highway in Sarasota, Florida. 

Risk-taking can be something that is beneficial to us and highly rewarding, as we face our fears and dare to accomplish some daring feat.   There may be physical challenges that we desire to conquer, or perhaps taking a step out in faith and trust God in some area of our lives - relationships, finances, or just laying aside the safety of our earthly lives to experience more of Him, as well as other areas where the outcome could be positive.  There is a possibility of failure, but that's OK - we can even learn in the times that we miss it.   God will pick us back up again and we can make the most of the experience.

The In Touch website gives this perspective:

Are there times that Christians are to take risks? The answer is a resounding yes, when He is the one asking us to step out of our comfort zone. From the Lord’s viewpoint, there is no uncertainty, because He has control over all things and He will never fail to accomplish His good purposes (Eph. 1:11).

But, taking risks in obedience to God is a much different story than exhibiting reckless behavior - if we give in to temptation, we place ourselves at risk, too - of falling away from Him.   Now, keep in mind, that there is not a point of no return; if we stray - and that's not the best path - He will restore and renew our lives and empower us to overcome the lure of temptation.    So, perhaps God is calling you to step out in a particular area - that's great; remember He is the One who goes with you.   But, if you step out recklessly and do not trust God, you're on your own.