“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is,” said one insightful person.

To achieve anything worthwhile in life that has eternal value and dividends, we need to genuinely serve God. To do this we may need to go out on a limb and be willing to swim against the tide of popular thought, to be different but not odd, assertive but not aggressive, strong but not pushy, meek but not weak, honest and truthful but not unkind.

We may, at times, even be considered a little bit crazy, but as another has said, “You’ve got to be a little bit crazy because if you always keep both feet on the ground, you can never get your pants on!”

Seriously, to serve God, also means knowing what your God-given life purpose is; that is, knowing what God wants you to be and what he wants you to do with your life. It will include having a worthwhile goal and work into which you can put your heart and best efforts. But doing this can be scary because like Noah, Abraham and other men and women of faith we, too, (even if it isn’t to the same extent) may need to step out in faith and go out on a limb! But remember, that’s where the fruit is.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please give me the courage and help me to so live in harmony with your will that, when necessary, I will not be afraid to go out on a limb, so that whatever I do—with your help—will be fruitful, productive and bring glory to your name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Joshua 24:15 (NIV).