Many times people have asked which countries I am will be going to over the next year. After I have listed all 11 countries, they look at me with apprehension and inform me that many of the countries are dangerous. This is my response to that statement.
I don’t want to live a life that is safe. I was not called to life a safe life. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ does not lead to a safe life. Luke 9: 23-27 states:
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
This is a call to a dangerous life. This is the life we are called to.
I am not saying that I am going to disregard common sense and put myself into immediate danger. It does mean I am not worried about how dangerous or safe the world considers a country or city. God has called me to go to these places. I am more afraid of disobeying and being outside the will of God than going in His will to a “dangerous” place.
In my opinion, to be outside of the will of God is more dangerous than any country I could be called to. As long as I am living within the will of God and following His call He has placed on my life, I don’t have anything to worry about. I am secure in His hands.
This is where I want to live, where I want to stay. This is where He is able to pour out His blessings on us and reveal Himself in a more personal way. Many times this is because when called to “dangerous” places by the world’s eye, we have to fully rely on God and His provision. There is nothing sweeter than knowing the He alone can meet our needs.
My question to you is this: Are you living a safe life because this is what the world has told you to do, or are you living the dangerous life God has called you to?
