There is never a shortage of people being helpful by pointing out all the things which could go wrong. They are well-meaning and sincere in their concerns, but ultimately they speak unbelief and doubt into your life.
I’m encouraged by John G. Paton (1824-1907) who was a missionary to the New Hebrides Islands in the South Pacific. He told this story of a well-meaning Christian who tried to talk him out of going because of the dangers involved:
Amongst many who sought to deter me, was one dear old Christian gentleman, whose crowning argument always was, “The Cannibals! You will be eaten by Cannibals!”
At last I replied, “Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms.”
I love that quote.
It’s true that God is going to send his sons and daughters into dark, dangerous places. Dangerous places need good news, and darkness needs Light.
*John G Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides. An Autobiography. P89-91
