I sat across the table from him, crunching chips loaded with salsa. It was our bi-annual fajita lunch date. While teaching in Kentucky, I got to go see my family for Christmas and at some point during the summer. Dad and I always make it to Dos Chiles when I’m in Texas, for some awesome fajitas and even better conversation.
This time was a bit different. In four weeks I’d be getting on a plane to leave for a whole year in the jungle of Papua New Guinea. I didn’t think much of it. I’ve been overseas for school years before…but this time seemed different to him.
I’d just finished my EMT training. My plan had been to use that to serve in a creative access nation (we’d discussed that over fajitas the preceding Christmas). I’d talked with both my parents about working as an EMT in the Middle East for a year or two, with hopes of eventually being useful to some friends in their ministry in Central Asia. Then, some dear friends invited me to work with them in PNG for a year, and plans changed. (Are you dizzy yet? I still am…)
“So Dad…what do you think about all this? I mean, I’m committed for a year in PNG. We’ll see what happens with that. I could stay there longer, but I’d also love to help our friends in translation. There are so many things I want to do. And you know, Central Asia couldn’t get any more risky than my EMT-in-the-Middle-East idea…”
Dad nodded slowly. “Well,” (long pause), “I have to say I’m happier about your going to PNG than your last plan. I can’t say I wouldn’t have worried about your safety.” (My dad often communicates in either hyperbole or understatement.)
“But…well, you know…since you and your brother were born…your mom and I…we just…”
Eat more chips. He’ll finish the thought when he finds the words he wants.
“If there’s something you believe the Lord wants you to do, I would never want to say or even imply anything that would hinder you from doing that, whether that’s in the Middle East, or really, anywhere else.”
I forgot about the chips.
“There is nothing more important than obedience to the Lord’s leading. I’d sure love to have you closer to home, and know that you’re living somewhere that seems safer, but I’d rather you be doing what the Lord would have you do. That’s real safety. I trust the Lord.”
Wow. My dad fears God more than he fears harm to his children.
How many fathers would look at their daughters and say what he said? He would give his blessing to send me to work as an EMT in a dangerous place, because He trusts God to care for me…and because the risk of my disobeying God is more dangerous to him than the risk of my living in a volatile part of the world.
To fear God is to recognize that obedience is never actually risky. Obeying the command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations necessitates that Christians live among all nations. Some of those nations are vehemently opposed to His message, and they kill His messengers. But Jesus (sending forth His disciples as “sheep in the midst of wolves”) said this:
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather, fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:16-28
I would rather obey His leading than risk correction for disobeying to maintain my idea of comfort or safety. And so would my parents.
It seems like this is a place where people expect to hear, “Now, of course, we have to act with wisdom and caution. Follow Jesus, but don’t be foolish.”
Of course – we must be wise. And how do we begin to grow in wisdom? Fear God.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
I don’t know that the American church needs more caution. We are cautious enough, or perhaps just lazy and disobedient under a veneer of so-called caution.
What we need is an accurate view of our God, exalted above the heavens, the sovereign Ruler Whose favor is life and Whose displeasure is destruction. He liberates us from the bondage of self-protection, and propels us to proclaim His gospel fearlessly. Who or what can do us harm outside the purposes of Him Who reigns over all things? (Romans 8:28-39)
Do we fear God? If the cost of obedience seems too great, our view of God is too small.
Thanks, Dad, for the liberty and encouragement to go wherever He would lead. May fruit abound to your account from the life you both trained and freed me to live, following Jesus in the fear of God.