Syria (Frontiers) – A first-person description about what’s happening in a crisis can do more to make it real to readers half-a-world away. We found this to be true in the following reflection about valuing Christ above safety from a Frontiers USA field worker who ministers to Syrian refugees (click here for the article at Frontiers’ website):
(Photo courtesy Frontiers)
It’s something we value more than almost anything. We think we can control it, and we never want to jeopardize it.
Safety.
We’d like to believe that if we live in certain places, stay away from other places, associate with some people, but avoid others, we will be safe.
However, we cannot control it, nor can we predict when we will be safe and when we will not be safe. Jesus never guarantees our safety. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Toward the end of His last supper conversation, Jesus tells His disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Expect trouble in the world, Jesus tells us. Our peace of mind does not come from outward circumstances or events. Our peace comes from being in Him, the Prince of Peace who has overcome the world.
And our safety—it comes from trusting in the Lord, no matter what our circumstances or geography. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
Many of our faithful, praying supporters are concerned for our safety as we seek to minister to Syrian refugees in the Middle East. We are aware of the risks and we do not take matters of security lightly. With the good counsel of our team and our advisors, we are taking precautions. But Jesus Christ has instructed each of us to take His message to the nations. It is not always easy, nor safe. But it is worth it.
In light of recent violent events in the Muslim world, we have a renewed confidence in our calling to bless Syrians and share with them the hope of Jesus Christ.
Syrian refugees, who now number over four million, are victims of horrific widespread devastation. Most of them are simply trying to survive another day. They are weak and oppressed, and many are orphans and widows.
Unlike us, they do not know the sure hope that Jesus is peace. They do not know the grace of salvation. Yet.
Consider how everything changes when Muslims believe the Gospel and the Lord transforms their hearts. God is doing that every day among Syrian refugees.
Jesus has overcome the world for them, too, and in the midst of tribulation, He is their peace.
If we here in the west/America could only grasp the truth of these statements, we would actually be as effective as we are called to be as believers in Jesus Christ. I pray that these words would begin the process of conviction, then action in our lives of American, privileged, comfort. Go be a light for the sake of the Kingdom of God and in Jesus’ name overcome. And if you don’t know what else to do, fast and pray for those who have yet to know the good news (yes even ISIS).
Thank You, Lord Jesus!