The Risk of Security

This post is a summary of my recent trip to another country in the region. If you are interested in hearing more details or you’re wondering more specifically where I was, contact me!

I stepped out of a taxi at 4:00 a.m., took a deep breath, and walked toward the airport doors. I presented my passport to the security guard and he asked for my destination. I named the city in a surprisingly confident voice, and he directed me to the right side of the terminal. I showed the girl at the check-in counter my passport and visa papers and, a few moments later, she handed me my boarding pass.

I went through security and emigration and sat down in the boarding area, my heart beating fast. I felt like one of the spies that Moses sent into the Promised Land. God says this is good land. He says He will give us the victory. But there in the airport, I felt as small as a grasshopper – and I hadn’t even crossed the border yet. Trying to process my feelings, I scribbled a quick note: “What do I have to be afraid of? Lost life? Questioning by officials? Insecurity of the unknown? Nothing can separate me from His love.” I began silently talking with the Father and acknowledging His ever-present love.

Two weeks later, I held hands with my national hosts as they prayed for my safe travels home. I bit my lip and tried to hold back tears as I embraced them, thanking them for hosting me, teaching me, and letting me be part of their lives and ministry. Leaving was the most difficult part of the trip.

In two weeks, I had seen the best fruit of the land. Yes, I had seen the challenges. The giants of radicalism, hatred, instability, and tragic stories are ever-present. So is the fruit of open doors, compassion ministry, a unique love for Christians, and vulnerable hearts. As we drove around the city one night, I observed the normalcy of life and I was struck by a call for help. America, you have sent many to fight for political freedom in this nation, but how many have you sent to fight for spiritual freedom? Americans have died on this soil, but not as martyrs for the sake of the Great Commission and the glory of Jesus.

Why haven’t we sent workers? The question rang in my head for days. The city is strangely secure in these days. With militants controlling the North, many have sought refuge in the capital. The long-term curfew has been lifted, and people are back to enjoying the city’s night life. The insecurity still exists. Car bombs still happen. Is this why haven’t sent our workers here? Have we looked at the giants but not the fruit?

One morning, in the quietness of my bedroom I read Jesus’ words: “Whoever tries to make his life secure will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it” (Luke 17:33). We have exhausted ourselves trying to make our lives secure. How could we risk sending our sons and daughters to dangerous places? Isn’t that counter-intuitive? Isn’t that opposite to our constant efforts to preserve?

Jesus’ instructions are counter-cultural and, indeed, counter-intuitive. Really, Lord? If I try to secure my life I will end up losing it? Perhaps the answer is found a few chapters later (Luke 12), when Jesus tells us not to fear man, who can destroy the body – but to fear the Lord, who determines our eternities. What if securing my life means disobedience to His call? Do I have the fear of the Lord that drives me to trust Him, losing my life for His sake?

This city is not an easy place. But it is a good and with ripe fruit. There is opportunity for a dynamic partnership in the local church who gives us the challenge of Caleb: “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). An entire generation of Israelites missed out on good fruit because of fear. May that not be our legacy.

Join us in intercessory prayer, asking “the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). Is He calling you to cross the world? Or to cross your city? Is He calling you to give radically? To mobilize the next generation? Consider how you can be a part of His command in 10:3 – “Now go. I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”

Let’s not let insecurity and fear keep us from obedience.