Live Big with Derek Grier: Episode Summary – "God Rewards Risk Takers"

In the April 14, 2025 release of "Live Big with Derek Grier," host Dr. Derek Grier delves deep into the essence of faith, exploring its nature as confidence rather than mere intellectual certainty. This episode, titled "God Rewards Risk Takers," masterfully blends biblical insights with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a transformative perspective on living a purposeful life in Christ.

Faith as Confidence: Embracing Calculated Risks

Dr. Grier opens the discussion by redefining faith, emphasizing that it is not about having 100% intellectual certainty but rather about taking calculated risks based on trust in God. He illustrates this with everyday examples, such as driving through intersections without full assurance that other drivers will stop or getting married without knowing precisely what the future holds.

[00:10] Dr. Grier: "Faith is often a calculated risk. If you think about it, we engage in almost all our daily life without 100% certainty."

This perspective sets the stage for a deeper exploration of biblical narratives that exemplify risk-taking underpinned by faith.

Biblical Insights: Lessons from 2 Kings and Beyond

The Four Lepers in 2 Kings 7:3

Dr. Grier examines the story of the four leprous men from 2 Kings 7:3. Trapped outside besieged Samaria during a severe famine, these men face a dire predicament with limited options. Instead of succumbing to despair or waiting passively, they decide to seek help, stepping into the unknown despite their circumstances.

[00:15] Dr. Grier: "These four lepers were in a catch-22, a no-win situation. But they took a step and trusted God."

He highlights how their decision, though fraught with uncertainty, led to divine intervention—God orchestrating events that the men were initially unaware of. This narrative underscores the theme that even in seemingly impossible situations, taking a step of faith can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Peter Walking on Water: A Test of Faith

Transitioning to the New Testament, Dr. Grier discusses the famous account of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14:24. He uses this story to illustrate that faith involves actively participating in God's work, even when the path is unclear.

[15:45] Dr. Grier: "Faith is saying, 'Lord, if this is how you're moving, I'm willing to move too.'"

Peter's initial confidence gives way to doubt when he notices the wind, causing him to begin sinking. This moment serves as a poignant reminder that faith is not about unwavering certainty but about trust and the willingness to step out, even when doubts arise.

Confirmation and Community: Strengthening Faith

Dr. Grier emphasizes the importance of confirmation in building and sustaining faith. He references Job 9:8 to affirm God's sovereignty and uniqueness, reinforcing that faith must be grounded in God's unchanging character.

[18:30] Dr. Grier: "Job said, 'God alone spreads out the heavens... which he saw Jesus was doing.' This was one confirmation."

He further elaborates on the role of community in validating one's faith journey, citing 2 Corinthians 13:1 about the importance of multiple witnesses in establishing truth. This collective discernment within the body of Christ provides additional layers of assurance for believers navigating their faith.

Personal Testimonies: Faith Amidst Trials

Throughout the episode, Dr. Grier interweaves his personal experiences with the broader theological discourse, offering a relatable and authentic perspective on living by faith. He recounts the challenges faced during the construction of his ministry's facilities, including financial uncertainties, legal battles, and personal health crises.

[25:00] Dr. Grier: "Sometimes I wake up in a sweat. All I could do is take the step God told me to take, even though sometimes you look a little bit stupid."

These stories illustrate that faith often involves persevering through adversity with the confidence that God is at work behind the scenes, even when immediate circumstances seem bleak. Dr. Grier's vulnerability in sharing his struggles serves to inspire listeners to maintain their trust in God, regardless of the challenges they face.

Faith vs. Certainty: Embracing Divine Assurance

A central theme of the episode is the distinction between faith and certainty. Dr. Grier asserts that while humans naturally seek certainty, God only requires confidence from His followers. He underscores this by discussing the preservation of the Bible, emphasizing that the integrity of Scripture provides a solid foundation for faith.

[30:00] Dr. Grier: "No reasonable person would abandon confidence in 99.5% [of the Bible] because of the 0.5%."

This steadfastness in God's Word equips believers with the assurance needed to navigate life's uncertainties. Dr. Grier also touches on the concept of "old man faith" versus "young man faith," advocating for intergenerational support within the church to bolster collective confidence.

Concluding Encouragement: Walking Forward with Confidence

In wrapping up the episode, Dr. Grier reinforces the idea that faith is about moving forward with confidence, even when the full picture is not visible. He encourages listeners to draw strength from their relationship with God and the supportive community around them.

[38:50] Dr. Grier: "When you come out of the storm, you will not be the same person who went into the storm. That is what the storm is all about."

He leaves his audience with a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness, urging them to hold onto their confidence in Him, regardless of the storms they may face.

[39:10] Dr. Grier: "God is faithful. He's given me a confidence so young... God got you."

Key Takeaways

• Faith as Risk-Taking: Faith requires taking steps based on trust in God, even without complete certainty.

• Biblical Foundations: Stories like the four lepers and Peter walking on water illustrate the dynamic nature of faith.

• Importance of Confirmation: Faith is strengthened through Scripture, community, and personal experiences.

• Personal Resilience: Dr. Grier's testimonies highlight the power of confidence in overcoming life's adversities.

• Confidence Over Certainty: Embracing God's assurance allows believers to act boldly, trusting in His plans.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:10] "Faith is often a calculated risk. We operate and function without 100% certainty."

• [15:45] "Faith is saying, 'Lord, if this is how you're moving, I'm willing to move too.'"

• [25:00] "Sometimes you look a little bit stupid, a little bit foolish. But God..."

• [30:00] "No reasonable person would abandon confidence in 99.5% [of the Bible] because of the 0.5%."

• [38:50] "When you come out of the storm, you will not be the same person who went into the storm."

• [39:10] "God is faithful. He's given me a confidence so young... God got you."

Final Thoughts

Dr. Derek Grier's "God Rewards Risk Takers" is a compelling exploration of faith as a confident trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. By intertwining scripture, personal narrative, and practical insights, Dr. Grier provides a roadmap for believers seeking to deepen their faith and live purposefully amidst uncertainty. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while certainty is elusive, God's unwavering faithfulness offers a bedrock of confidence upon which to build a life that truly lives big in Christ.