I did not want to come to India. I didn’t even want to come on this route of the World Race because India was on it. The country holds 1.6 billion people. It’s about 1/3 the size of America. We only have a population of 300 million. I did not care to be in the busyness or learn a lick of their culture.
Funny how the Lord works.
I knew, back then, I had to choose this route. I try to live my life this way: if I don’t want to do something or it scares me, I do it anyway. I am sure the growth that will come and the possible sacrifice and suffering will make me more resilient and faithful on the other side of it.
Here I am, a year later, in India! We all thought this month would be the hardest. It’s the longest, we’ve been told how hot it gets, and I didn’t even care about this place from the very start. To say I had negative thoughts, doubts, and fears is an understatement. It is incredible to see that God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. I have created the deepest relationships this month with our hosts, the kids I teach, with my teammates, with God, AND with myself. For crying out loud, I already want to come back!
I recently just read the book Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko. He talked about how, when hunting their pray, lions post up somewhere they can be seen with their big , intimidating mane and loud roar. They can’t sneak up on anyone because their hair is too noticeable. The lioness creepily follows the prey, who will obviously run the exact opposite direction once they hear and see the lion. The lioness will do the killing once the prey is scared right to her. It’s a pretty wise system. It’s also a great metaphor for life.
When we see something ahead that’s incredibly frightening or causes anxiety, we often avoid it. Run the other way. Ignore it. Whatever. But that will always lead to death. Death of our strength, our spirit, and the will for our lives. Satan is all bark and no bite, just like the lions. He can get inside our heads, but we’re the ones who make the move. So, run towards the lion! The intimidation that comes from just taking a step towards fear is sometimes enough for them to leave us alone altogether.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
