Messages by Desiring God Take a Risk for Life and Fruitfulness
22 snips
Sep 5, 2026 
John Piper, Reformed Baptist pastor, theologian, and author, explores how faithful risks can end fruitlessness and bring life to others. He shares a terrifying speaking assignment that reshaped his courage, examines Joab, Esther, and Paul’s bold obedience, and considers how God’s sovereignty frees believers to face danger, uncertainty, and costly ministry.
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Risk Can End Longstanding Fruitlessness
- Christ-honoring risk can end fruitlessness and redirect a life toward unexpected usefulness.
- John Piper expects listeners’ risks to intersect with Passion Life in ways they cannot predict.
The Thirty Second Prayer That Broke Fear
- John Piper spent his teenage years physically unable to speak before groups because fear produced paralysis.
- At Wheaton, he accepted a 30-second chapel prayer and vowed never again to refuse speaking from fear.
Fruitful Ministry Usually Begins With Risk
- Fruitful ministries and lives usually emerge through costly uncertainty rather than safety and predictability.
- John Enzer’s jail preaching during pro-life rescues preceded leadership across crisis pregnancy centers and international ministry.
