Strong and Courageous

I've been meaning to write about this for a few weeks now, but I just haven't gotten around to it. And I kind of pushed it off for awhile. Then I had a talk with a friend from school and I just felt like I needed to get my thoughts down somewhere.

On March 1st, a man named Jeremiah Small was killed in Iraq. He was a teacher at my school's sister school there. After watching one of my teachers lectures via video, he was shot. He's what we call a modern day martyr.

I never met Jeremiah. But I've read articles and heard testimonies, and I know he made an impact on the world he left behind. He left a legacy.

The whole situation left me humbled, though. There was this man that so firmly believed in what he was teaching, the truth of the gospel, that he put himself in danger every single day. Voluntarily.

How inspiring is that?

It really makes you step back for a moment and think, "Would I do that? Am I that brave? Am I willing to be a martyr?"

I am humbled.

Because personally, I live this comfortable life in which everyone around me either knows the gospel or has heard of it. And if I come across someone who doesn't, I know I become scared to tell them. Why? Because I'm afraid of what they'll think of me.

But... that doesn't matter. I'm not called to be loved and to fit in with the world... I'm called to get out of my comfort zone and make disciples, just as Jesus called us to do when He rose to Heaven. I'm commanded not to fear, but to be strong and courageous.

Ever think about the people who are so lost? There are people in some parts of the world that have never heard of Jesus. Or if they have, they don't realize that He's a real person, that He can change their lives. They haven't grown up in a Christian family. That haven't been brought the good news. There are people who are so lost that they will kill those who believe.

And why? Because the church is lazy. The body of Christ. You. Me.

Each and every one of us is called to help further the kingdom of God. To make disciples of ourselves, to tell the good news.

It doesn't have to be in a far away country.

It can be in your neighborhood. Or at work. Or maybe standing in line at the store. The simplest things can make a world of a difference.

That's exactly what Christians have been commanded to do.

Anyways... this has just been a sobering incident that has made me reevaluate my life.

And it's time for my comfort zone to be torn down. Because ultimately it's not about me, it's about HIM.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9