Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Friday May 26, 2006

Vance Havner was one of the most colorful preachers to ever grace a pulpit. His wit, wisdom and winsome preaching rank among the best of all time. I came across one of his witticisms and I hope it blesses you as it did me just yesterday:

"The Vision must be followed by the Venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs."

I told you.

Far too many of us spend a large portion of life staring up the steps, when if we would but move toward the stairs we would begin a fabulous journey of fruitfulness for the Lord, to say nothing of the deep inner fulfillment that comes with walking with Jesus.

Most of us know the steps are there, and that with the strength of the Lord we can and should climb them. Yet we see all sorts of things on the stairs, some even see darkness at the top. Others see only the clutter left along each step by others who tried and failed.

The idea of 'venture' is to put something at risk. Venture capital is an example of someone or a group putting up capital for the idea of someone else. To venture means to accept the fact of risk, calculate the risk verses the probability of success and decide to step up the stairs!

Staring at the idea of what you want to do or be is good as far as it goes, but it's like the old mountain man told a young whippersnapper, "I know you been aiming to, but why don't you just pull the trigger. Aiming ain't no good lessen you pull the trigger." I could not have said it better myself!

For years I was like a Jewish boy from the mountains, so much so that a few of my friends nick named me, "Ben Gonna."

You may have "Ben Gonna" do something for years, but you sit and spend your days dreamingly staring up the stairs. I became better off when it dawned on me that if I started up the stairs and stumbled, I would still be father up the stairs than if I remained perfectly safe and simply stared up the stairs.

When God gives us a vision He expects up to be willing to venture, to launch out trusting Him to do what is necessary to reach the top.

How many folks do you know who know about the stairs, but they are spending their life refusing to make a venture with their life, unwilling to risk ridicule if they fail?

Ole Vance could say a world of truth in a few words. He did so in the statement attributed to him today.

So, when are you going to start stepping up the stairs you've been staring at?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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