Fear -vs- Resolve
Besides the earth moving at 3:53 in the morning of April 24, there are many things causing excitement in our spirits. Yes, we were awakened from a mid night slumber. Our building was swaying and creaking all around us. At first, Christine thought she was dreaming, but the bed was shaking and in her mind she reasoned that she was in Colombia and if this wasn’t a dream, she should probably get up and be ready to adjust to what could be coming. It turned out to be an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude. The epicenter was about 80 miles NNW from where we live.
Many of our Colombian friends are concerned about us living on the eleventh floor during an earthquake and amazed that we are not afraid. They are also mystified at our resolve to go wherever God takes us to minister the Gospel to the lost. Even we at times still wonder at the grace of God that allows us to enter into the fellowship of His purpose in glorifying His name in the earth to all peoples. It seems He imparts a measure of valor and faith to the missionary. Gifts they will need to accomplish dangerous and difficult tasks for His kingdom. God promises peace, rest, and joy in Him but He never says it would be easy. In fact, Jesus’ words to His potential followers were somewhat intimidating and not very enticing to our carnal side.
Luke 21:12 “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.
Though valor is a gift, we are not foolish enough to be completely fearless. The right amount of fear will keep us alert enough to be aware of the dangers around us physically and spiritually. This is true for all who follow Christ and are committed to His purpose and call on their lives. Whatever the ambassador for Christ faces, they first need to assess the situation and then move so the Light of Christ is not diminished by the shortcomings of our humanity. Every situation requires sound judgment and decisive action.
Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.
What are the things a wise man is to understand and the discerner is to know? They are the ways of the Lord. It is true that our ways are not His ways and for this we are thankful. God is Sovereign. He is supreme in power, possessing supreme dominion over the universe. He is the sovereign authority, superior to all others.
As we prepare ourselves to go on another jungle trip, and this time we both go, there is the nagging thought in the back of our heads. As we step out, there is real and present danger both in the spirit and physical dimensions. Many would shake their heads and click their tongues at what seems like a very foolish thing to do. We do not look at the danger, we look at the unreached souls that are dying every day without the eternal hope we hold so dear. In the case of the indigenous tribes, we also see social depravation where the living conditions are causing sickness and death because of lack of good water and sanitation.
There is a popular mountain in Tennessee that we would occasionally trek for exercise. Recalling the first time we walked this mountain trail it seemed we were never going to reach the top. Every time we came to a place where we could stop and rest, we waited to see who would give up first. Though our legs were screaming for mercy and our lungs gasped for life giving air, neither one of us was willing to give in to the impulse to turn around. Finally, at one particular point where we paused to regain strength and breath, we looked at each other and seriously considered turning around. Then as Kevin processed the thought, he said, “What if there was a tribe of unreached people at the top of this mountain and we gave up, who would take the gospel to them?”
With renewed energy we trudged on. To our amazement and relief, just around the next bend the top of the mountain was in view. In just a few more minutes we reached the end of our trek. Finally, being able to relax and catch our breath, we looked out across one of the most beautiful views of East Tennessee we can think of. We did not find an unreached indigenous tribe at the top of that mountain, but we did find God. Our hearts were filled with purpose. The Holy Spirit put into our hearts a love for people we had yet to know or meet. If there were any doubts about God’s purpose for our lives, they were resolved at that moment as we repented and asked God to fill us with determination to accomplish His purpose through us. Though the initial challenge up this mountain pass was such a physical challenge, we returned to master it again. The second and succeeding trips were much easier and even enjoyable. The same is true in the lives of His servants.
As God’s people grow in His grace, we face new challenges weekly, if not daily. By faith we came to this salvation and by faith we face these challenges. As we allow Him to embrace us with His love, we find the strength we need to continue. In wonder and amazement, we discover that though we are weak and lowly, He is present and faithful to lift us up and carry us to the completion of a task that seems impossible. When we are uncertain of our wisdom and discernment, He lets us see His hand in the work we are doing.
We met a young lady this weekend that was hurting after losing a baby by miscarriage. She responded to a call for healing. During ministry, Christine prayed for her. She began to tremble and weep. God was setting her free from guilt and shame. She was given a word that God was giving her the desires of her heart. As we continued to minister to her, God’s blessing was flowing freely into her heart. By now, she was shaking with joy and laughter.
Finally, she turned and in perfect English said, “I can’t stop!” Surprised, Christine said, “Do you speak English?” Acting as if she couldn’t understand what Christine said, the translator asked her if she could speak English. She replied that she did not know English! The young lady and the translator could not have known Christine’s struggle of doubt, but God did. In faithfulness, He showed her through language that He was with her.
We found out later that this young lady came to the little church where we were ministering because after losing her baby, she was blaming herself and was afraid to go to her church and talk to anyone about it. That shame should not be hers. The true shame is that there was no one in her church community that she felt she could go to with her problems and pain.
How can we, the body of Christ, justify knowing there are lost and hurting people in the world, dying without Christ in their lives? We are all in this journey together. Some are on the frontlines preparing the way for those who will follow. Stepping into the will of God forces us to evaluate our wisdom and seek His wisdom. We are learning to discern His ways. As His body, let us not come to the last twist in the mountain trail and give in to our thirst, physical exhaustion and spiritual wilderness.
Let us continue to trust in the One who saved us, unworthy as we were, to lead us into places where He can use us. It’s ok. He wants to carry us through the challenges. When it seems as if the earth is shaking and the very foundations where we are standing seem as though they may crumble from under us, it is vital to call on His name. He is faithful and just to give us wisdom, discernment, strength and power to complete His mission.
“All God’s giants have been weak men, who did great things for God because they believed that God would be with them.” – Hudson Taylor, Missionary to Inland China.