In this “Practical Ministry Lesson“, we will discuss Security on the Mission Field or the place where God places me.
The devil is very astute and will use even logic to knock down God’s people. I have received e-mails, phone calls and questions from future missionaries or visitors on the mission field about the safety on the mission field. I as well love my wife and children with all my heart, but we can not let the fear of man be more important the work of the Lord.
Although I have friends that live in Communistic or closed countries, I personally do not live in a “closed” country. I would be foolish and very unqualified to talk about the closed countries, but I can talk about thievery, drugs, kid-napping and bad situations. As most missionaries, we have had quite a few things robbed from us, people take advantage of us, felt scared and many other “scary” issues. My desire is not to share my stories in this short lesson, rather suggest that we do not let “security” be our deciding factor as of where to work, live and serve.
We have all heard that the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will, and it is. People get robbed in “safe” areas while many a missionary have been protected in “insecure” areas. I believe the Lord provides and takes care of His children. Psalm 91 speaks of our Lord placing His angels around us and I can testify that many a time the danger has been so close that we have felt it, but the Lord has always protected us. We must not forget His presence, His providence and His promises.
My goal is not to preach a sermon in this lesson, but give a few thoughts on why we should not make “security” our deciding factor in the service for our King:
1. We are not to fear them that can kill the body rather him that can destroy both body and soul (Mat 10:28).
2. The devil can not do anything without the permission of our Lord
In Job 1:12 and 2:6, we see that Satan was not able to touch Job without God’s permission.
In Matthew 8:30-32, we see that the devils asked permission from Jesus to go into the herd of swine when cast out.
Nothing can happen without our Lord knowing, therefore we can rest assure that our Lord is in control.
3. God cares and protects us
If our God cares for the fowls of the air, the lilies of the field and the grass of the field, how much more does He care for us (Matt 6:25-31 y Matt 10:29-31).
Friends, there is no thief, murderer, seducer or bad person that can break through the protection of our Lord. So the next time you begin to get scared of what may happen to you as you serve the Lord, remember that those who serve the King of kings are protected by the Lord of lords.
Here to Serve,
Jeff Bush