I dare you to take a risk on God. 

A fantastic student worker contacted me recently to let me know that he wasn't able to continue his call to students as his church had decided to cut the funding for his role. He explained how he was now looking for an office job to pay the bills. I asked him if he still felt called to students and he said, "Absolutely but I can't see how it is a viable option. Where will the money come from? How will I live?"

This is heart-breaking on two levels. Firstly, it is disappointing that the church has decided to cut funds for missional work among the generation that is most disconnected from church. Secondly, it is sad that someone who senses the call of God on their lives would consider going in another direction in the absence of visible financial security or career development.

Anyone who thinks they might be called to work with students - it is time to toughen up. This is not the easy option after finishing your degree. You are considering working as a missionary in a secular culture to a generation that don't think they need Jesus. It is going to be tough! It will be exhilarating at times, but if you want an easy ride, this isn't it.

However, let's remember that we live by faith not by sight. So, it's not a problem if you aren't sure where your income is coming from. God has all the riches of Heaven and earth at his disposal; if he calls you into student work, he isn't going to leave you starving. You also don't have to worry about your career development because he wants the absolute best for you. There is no safer place to be than in the will of God.

I speak from experience as I gave up a well paid job that I enjoyed because I felt called to work with students in my local church. It was financially stupid and career suicide but it is the best move I ever made. As a family we have lived by faith for income and have never been left wanting. Remember, that Jesus commands us not to worry about this stuff. (Matt 6:25) There is no safer place to be than within the will of God.

The student worker who I chatted to about his calling is now considering living by faith for income as he pursues his calling to work with students. He is remembering that Jesus says all things are possible with God (Matt 10:27)

I believe that we need a wave of risk-taking individuals who will be courageous in following God's call. We need hundreds of daring pioneers who are not happy with the way things are. Who can lead into a future that doesn't exist at the moment. Are you one of them? Do you think that maybe God is calling you to share Jesus among the student generation? Don't worry if you are not 100% sure because you never will be. That is why they call it faith!

I dare you to take a risk on God!