No Escape

Last night I was talking to a friend about decisions. It occurred to me just then, there’s no escape. Let me explain. Most difficult decisions are tough because an alternate option is or could be equally good. Either way God will bless the decision. Sometimes one choice is better than another, especially from the perspective of those not in the angst and turmoil of life decisions. Sometimes Christians who believe that God calls, directs, or otherwise TELLS them to GO, feel the need to be reassured, confirmed in their decisions. That’s fair. I’ve been there. But so often that which keeps us from finally signing the dotted line to a covenant with God, a contract to move forward on his plan is a four letter word.

FEAR.

Like I said, human reassurance concerning logistics, money, safety, prosperity, success, or simply the audible GO from human lips seems so necessary to the commitment. As I reflected with her about her hangs ups, her indecision, her hesitancy, it was simply fear that kept her seated (and shaking) rather than RUNNING to the next point in her journey. “What if…? Who will show me the way? How can little ol’ me…? What if I get sick, hurt, confused, homesick…?”

So I essentially mused that there was no escaping the possibilities of hurt, injury, spiritual angst or battle. Especially in a place not at home. Especially in a culture different from home. Especially with a purpose unique from that at home.

But then I questioned: Is there escaping those same things at home? Are we free from hurt and pain and sorrow just because we’re living in a comfort zone? Are we free to live without fear and angst just because we’re living a “normal life”? No Way! This is still the earth with human beings, fallible and frenzied as much as they are full of hope, joy and love.

Serving God is not a “get out of jail free” card. It’s not an invisible cloak like Harry Potter’s that allows believers to escape or avoid the less desirable or pleasant things of life. Answering, following God’s purpose for our lives instead gives us reassurance that in the midst of all the poopy possibilities, God is with us. No matter what, He can make things good, often better than we imagined (thankfully). He can prepare us for the unknowns and help us learn from them.

I’m glad God didn’t send a car like the one for James Bond with all sorts of gadgets and said, “Best of Luck. I’m counting on you.” Instead He sent Jesus to model a life of obedience in the midst of great and gruesome situations. And then, He even promised and delivered on a helper, the Holy Spirit. James Bond might have M’s voice and a sweet laser pen, but in the end, he was responsible to find the escape.

God’s escape plan is not from the world’s pains but instead from FEAR. So whether we trek across the world or next door to a stranger’s house to say hi, we’ll encounter life, the good, bad and ugly. But we’ll also have the reassurance that our purpose and abilities don’t lead us to find the nearest exit but encourage us to go deeper in, into relationship with people and God.