"Course he's not safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
– Mr. Beaver to Lucy, about Aslan [C.S. Lewis: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe]
It has been 4 months since my official acceptance to the September '11 World Race Squad. Four months of my last semester at college, which then culminated in my graduation commencement ceremony two weekends ago on the 15th of May. Four months of papers, tests, and late nights. Four months of attempting to prepare for both an end of an era, and the beginning of a new season.
It's been an interesting four months, to be sure. In these past months, I've had the privilege to speak with friends, family, and complete strangers about the next phase of my life. I no longer dread the inevitable question after graduation of "So, what's next? What will you do?" Instead, I relish it, and after a smile and a deep breath, launch into talking about the Race, about what the Lord has set before me, about support, and preparing. It's anywhere between a few moments of sum-up, and a few hours of in-depth explanation.
From these conversations, there are general responses that I've come across.
Response 1) Confusion. Blank stares and questions of "Why? Why would you leave, why would you live out of a backpack? You're not going to shower?!"
Response 2) Excitement. This varies in physical response. Jumping up and down, shrieks, huge smiles, hugs, other random hand gestures. Comments of encouragement ensue, coming from two different mindsets, secular, and God-fearing. "Oh, what an amazing opportunity and experience! That will look great on your resume, and you'll get to see the world!" and "The Lord is going to rock your world. Wow, what a chance to fight injustice and pursue love."
Response 3) Disbelief and shock. Mouths gape open, and comments are generally along the lines of "Oh, my gosh. I would never do that! Aren't you worried? You could get hurt. Make sure you bring something to protect yourself."
Of these three (there are mixes, and others) response #3 is the one that I wish didn't occur. Response #3 pains me to hear. It makes me want to cry; I want to shake people awake from the slumber. I know there's no reason to live in fear. There's no reason to be scared. Time and time again, the Lord says do not be afraid, I will be with you. I will not forsake you, I will not leave you. It's all over the Bible. When Jesus sent out the Twelve, he sent them with instructions, and this encouragement.
"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known…Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." [Matthew 10.28]
I know that my Father is good, just as Mr. Beaver suggests. Yet nowhere in the Bible have I found a promise I won't be harmed, that an impervious invisible forcefield protects me, or that I should live like Bubble Boy. It doesn't say that. That's not a guarantee. Yet, though it isn't, the Lord is good. His goodness will never fail. His goodness counts for a lot more in my book than my physical safety.
Maybe the Race isn't "safe." So what? Maybe following the path that the Father has set before me isn't "secure" in the eyes of the world. But I'm not worried. The unknown will always be just that – unknown.
I refuse to believe that we were created to live in bubbles
I refuse to believe that we are never meant to risk anything.
I refuse to believe that we are meant to live in fear.
Though he might not be "safe," He totally is! I know, I know, contradictory sounding. I simply cannot think of a better place to be than where He wants me. I pray that you see the truth in this, and that you let the Father's love overcome your fear, in all things. We are called, like Joshua, to be strong and courageous, to not be terrified or discouraged. Our God will be with us wherever we go, be it the suburbs of Minneapolis, or the jungles of Africa. This is my claim, for this is His promise.
