Invest What God's Given You

To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one.
Matthew 25:15

In Jesus' story, the first two servants "went and traded." They pondered their options, crunched the numbers, took the plunge, and dared to fail. And their Master said "Well done, good and faithful servant" (v.21). Here Jesus points us to the day when the "earth and all its works [will be] exposed to the scrutiny of judgment" (2 Peter 3:10 ).
What's the point?
Dare to take great risks for God! Not foolish risks, but prayed-over, well-considered risks in response to faith. The only mistake - is not to risk making a mistake.
And how about the third servant? "I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground" (v.25). The first two invested theirs; he buried his. The first two went out on a limb; he hugged the trunk. He made the most tragic and common mistake of giftedness. He failed to benefit the Master with his talent. Some invest their talents and give God credit; others misuse them and give God grief. Some honour Him with fruit; others insult Him with excuses. How did the Master feel about it? "Get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb" (Matthew 25:29-30 ).

Fear is the opposite of faith.

And, "without faith it is impossible to please [God]" (Hebrews 11:6).
Bottom line: step out in faith; He won't let you down. Take a risk; He won't let you fail. Even if you fail several times on your way to success, God invites you to dream of the day when you'll feel His hand on your shoulder saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"