Does God Call Us to Safety? What the Bible Says About Faith and Risk

Does God Call Us to Safety?

What if God never intended your life to be safe?

In C.S. Lewis’ hit series The Chronicles of Narnia, the main characters are being taken to meet the king of Narnia for the first time. This king is a fearsome lion named Aslan. Understandably, the kids are surprised and nervous to meet a lion instead of a human. One asks if the lion is safe.

“Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

In Narnia, Aslan represents Jesus. The statement here is true. Jesus is not safe. But He is good. He is the ultimate example of goodness. Nothing is more deserving of trust and devotion than Him.

But does that mean following Him is safe? Does God protect us from all harm? What does the Bible say about taking risks?

Does God Promise Us Safety? A Biblical Perspective

The Bible never promises complete protection from harm. Some suffering may be necessary for growth, to position us for God’s will, or to refine our faith. 

What does the Bible say about suffering? We see throughout Scripture that God’s people faced trials, persecution, and hardship, often as part of their calling:

• Job lost his family and health. 

• John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. 

• Paul was imprisoned and beaten repeatedly. 

• Stephen was martyred. 

• Jesus Himself was betrayed, mutilated, and executed.

God’s people should not expect to be exempt from suffering. Instead, we should trust that God protects us from harm that is outside His plan and strengthens us through necessary trials. 

God’s children should expect to be called into risk at some point. Truly serving God and loving others requires tremendous vulnerability. Moses was called to confront the most powerful man in the world. Joseph was sold into slavery by his family, falsely accused of rape, and thrown into prison. Elijah was called to confront his nation’s king and queen — a calling that had them trying to hunt down and kill him. Paul was called to evangelize to several communities hostile to the gospel. 

Nowhere in Scripture does God call His people into a life of comfort and safety. Instead, He calls them to step out in faith, trusting Him even when it feels risky.

So why does God allow suffering?

While God does not always prevent hardship, He promises to use it for good. He strengthens us through necessary trails and ensures that nothing happens outside of His divine plan. 

Why God Rarely Calls Us to Security

One of God’s greatest desires is for His children to trust Him. He wants us to trust Him to protect us. Faith in danger is much more powerful than faith in safety. Faith grows when we rely on Him in uncertainty.

Trusting God in danger deepens faith more than trusting Him in comfort. It’s one thing to trust God while relaxing at home — it’s another thing to trust Him while evangelizing in a hostile environment. 

God’s love calls for vulnerability; we cannot love fully while avoiding risk.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13. God calls us to a radical form of love that puts the wellbeing of others far above our own. 

Trusting God When Following Him Feels Unsafe

It’s natural to feel fear when facing uncertainty. Nearly all of God’s people in Scripture felt fear during their calling. The problem comes when you listen to the voice of fear over the voice of God. God may allow suffering within His plan, but He never abandons His people in it.

• God protected Daniel in the lions’ den. 

• He shielded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the flames of the furnace. 

• God guarded Moses against Pharaoh’s wrath.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Even when God allows suffering, He promises:

• His strength (Isaiah 40:31)

• His presence (Deuteronomy 31:8)

• His faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13)

Key Takeaways: Is Following God Safe?

Is following God safe? ‘Course it’s not safe. But it’s good. Following God and trusting Him through the journey will lead you to places you never thought possible. Though Job suffered greatly, God restored him beyond what he had lost, proving His faithfulness. John the Baptist is remembered as a hero of the faith. Paul helped lay the foundation of the Church. Stephen will be known for all time as the first martyr. Jesus freed humanity in a way more radical than ever before. 

Final Call to Action: Will You Step Out in Faith?

God’s plans are rarely safe, but they are always good. Godly love requires vulnerability and risk. Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s greatest plans often require stepping into uncertainty, trusting Him more than our own comfort. He does not promise an easy path, but He does promise His presence, His strength, and His faithfulness.

So the question is: Will you trust Him?

Will you follow where He leads, even when it feels unsafe? Will you choose faith over fear, purpose over comfort, and obedience over security?

Are you wrestling with fear? Struggling to trust where God is leading? Book a call with us today and let’s walk this journey of faith together.