Running Towards Goliath

I found a file on my computer of archived blog posts. I had a MySpace account and started documenting my journey as I'd moved to Poland in 2005. Here's an entry from September 2006 (19 years ago!) and it contains stories I'd forgotten about, but that were pivotal in inspiring my faith in those early years on the mission field. I was at a missionary training center that month and had been getting to know missionaries from all over the world- hearing their stories.... This is putting Faith Over Fear- in live action.

Sept 17, 2006: A lot of these people are really putting themselves in the middle of extreme danger. One man last night was talking about his wife and children back on the field while he's here for 3 months. Everyday they are in danger. Joan asked him what that was like, to leave them behind knowing the obvious risks. His answer humbled me. "I would rather my wife and children are right where God wants them to be. There, and only there, will they have the protection of God. I could bring them back here and my teenagers could just as easily get shot in a robbery at 7-11. If I disobey God's call on my life, I therefore negate the protection of God's will." I know, and he also acknowledges, this doesn't mean they will always be safe. But it does mean that God is protecting them. There is a big difference.

It reminded me of last summer when I was here for cross-cultural training. I sat and talked to a guy that is in an extremely volatile country right now. He was debating taking a gun with him. He said that he felt like the need for a gun was really just his own insecurity and that once he prays about it enough that he's sure God will give him the courage to go without one. I asked him, "Aren't you afraid to go there?" He looked me dead straight in the eyes- a 20-something guy (we all know that's not exactly the most humble of ages) and he said, "Oh, I'm terrified! But this is where God's calling me. And so I'm going." Wow. I wonder if my faith is as big as theirs.

I love sitting and talking to people- hearing their stories. This weekend has been a huge blessing to my soul. Just sitting and playing games (even when I lose...) and talking and laughing. Though I've only known some of these people for a few days, I feel so close to them. Our experiences, our trials, our fears, our vulnerabilities... they're all very real. And yet, God is using us. What a bunch of mis-fits! God doesn't use super-heros. He uses people.

David and Goliath.... 1 Samuel 17:45

You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.

1 Samuel 17: 48

As the Philistine (Goliath) moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

How often do we run quickly towards the Goliaths in our life?