I am, without a doubt, super excited about the world race. I’ve noticed that my lack of visible concern for justifiably dangerous, negative, or unfortunate events has created some unsettling feelings with others. If you have talked to me about it, you probably think that I am being irrational, naive, or just down-right stupid because of my point of view. I tend to lean more on the positive side of things when it comes to the world race. But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. I am well aware of the concerns many people have, and to tell you the truth I am…SCARED.
I’m scared of the plane crashes and the airport bombings.
I’m scared of the terrorist attacks.
I’m scared of the riots.
I’m scared of going to a country I’ve never been to with a language I don’t speak. (Trust me…I’ve seen Taken, and my dad…love him… but he is not Liam Neeson)
I’m scared that I won’t be able to raise the money I need.
I’m scared of the food…I’m kind of a picky eater.
I’m scared of the possible ministries we may be doing. I’m scared that I won’t be able to do them well enough.
I’m scared that I am getting WAY in over my head.
The list could go on and on BUT as a child of God I am claiming the peace that He so freely gives. I am choosing to let go of all these fears and place them at the feet of Jesus. I am choosing to let God take care of all my worries and my doubts. 1 Peter tells us to cast our anxiety on God because He cares for us.
I love the story in Mark 4 when Jesus calms the storm. There they were in a boat during a bad storm. The disciples were freaking out about drowning and Jesus was taking himself a little nap. All Jesus had to say when they woke him up is, “Quiet! Be still!”, and the storm stopped. But the real zinger here is what he said to his disciples next. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
WOAH. Convicting, isn’t it? These men…who have already chosen to leave everything behind and follow Jesus, who spent time with Him and knew Him, who witnessed the miracles He performed…STILL had little faith in Him. Not only did they underestimate His power, but they got called out on it too.
How many of us need to be called out on our faith?
I have chosen to leave my old self behind and follow Jesus. I have spent time with Him and know Him. I have witnessed some incredible things that He has done. So why would I not have faith in Him in all things?
Fear is normal. Concern is normal. But Jesus said to the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
His peace is a gift freely given, and it is indescribably good. I don’t know about you, but I like free stuff, and I especially like not having to be filled with fear. Of course we will train for safety in situations, cultural differences, and ministry, but training can only get you so far. So I’m claiming peace over my safety. I’m claiming peace over my health. I’m claiming peace over my fundraising. I’m claiming peace over our ministry.
I’m not being irrational. I’m not being naive. I’m not being stupid.
I’m being a faith-filled child of God who knows that her Father is going to take care of her.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…” Psalm 91:1-16
