Safety. We, as human beings, really value safety. We strive for security. Especially in America, where we are protected by laws, by dedicated soldiers, by brave officers, and many more, we can live a pretty safe life if we're smart.
As you know, I am going to Costa Rica tomorrow and something I hear every time I tell someone about it is, "Be safe." I can't blame them. I'm traveling out of the country, I'm entering a dangerous field of ministry, I'm a vulnerable young woman, and the world is full of evil. I get it, and trust me, I really do want to be safe. But I don't want safety to be more important to me than obeying the commands of Christ. I don't want to miss the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus because I want to stay somewhere where I know I'll be safe. I don't want to be afraid of the world when I know my God is so much bigger. I want to be bold and fearless.
I know that when people tell me to "be safe," it is only because they love me. I too say it every single day to my loved ones. But recently I've been thinking about the implication of those two seemingly harmless words. When we tell someone to be safe are we inadvertently producing in them a sense of paranoia and distrust in God? I know this is never our intention, but let's consider the possibility.
When we look to Scripture, we see that as Christians we are not promised safety. In fact, we're promised suffering:
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3:12)
Yet, suffering is something we can rejoice in if it is for Christ:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Other scriptures on suffering: 1 Peter 5:9-10; John 16:33; 2 Cor. 4:8-11; Romans 5:3-5; Phil. 1:29-30
Paul ends all of his letters with some form of, "Grace be with you." He doesn't say, "Be safe." He talks about his suffering and encourages those who are afraid by pointing to God who gives us comfort. Comfort, not safety. God certainly protects us from a lot of things because of His grace, but we're never promised safety. If our safety is compromised we should never believe that the goodness and sovereignty of God has been compromised too. God is good and sovereign always.
The Lord brought to my attention how fearful I am and how little I trust Him and I think this stems from valuing safety too much. So I say all of this not because I think we should stop wishing safety for others, but because I think we need to be careful not to allow safety to become our ultimate priority. Our ultimate priority is loving Christ wholly, obeying Christ fully and preaching the Gospel boldly.
As I go to Costa Rica, please pray that God, by His grace, would strengthen me to be fearless and obedient. I promise I will not be reckless or stupid because the Bible says to be sober minded, watchful, and to dress in the armor of God (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6). Thank you for your prayers.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3:12)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Paul ends all of his letters with some form of, "Grace be with you." He doesn't say, "Be safe." He talks about his suffering and encourages those who are afraid by pointing to God who gives us comfort. Comfort, not safety. God certainly protects us from a lot of things because of His grace, but we're never promised safety. If our safety is compromised we should never believe that the goodness and sovereignty of God has been compromised too. God is good and sovereign always.
The Lord brought to my attention how fearful I am and how little I trust Him and I think this stems from valuing safety too much. So I say all of this not because I think we should stop wishing safety for others, but because I think we need to be careful not to allow safety to become our ultimate priority. Our ultimate priority is loving Christ wholly, obeying Christ fully and preaching the Gospel boldly.
As I go to Costa Rica, please pray that God, by His grace, would strengthen me to be fearless and obedient. I promise I will not be reckless or stupid because the Bible says to be sober minded, watchful, and to dress in the armor of God (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6). Thank you for your prayers.
I want to use this post to also publicly praise the Lord because my trip is officially fully funded!!! I have received so much love & support; it's overwhelming. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I AM GOING TO COSTA RICA!!!
Joy & Peace,
