Lent Day 4: It's complicated

Do you find life complicated? Some people try to make everything bigger, harder, weirder, or more dangerous than needed. I prefer things simple. Direct. When they're embracing rather than off-putting.

"Are you afraid?" people often ask us, about our call to Indonesia. Some wonder if the move from here to there is so huge and complex that it will suck the breath out of us.

Well, yes and no, as far as fear goes. We're not afraid of volcanos, violence, or opposition. Stuff happens here as well as there, and there's no safer place than under God's watchful eye. We'll try almost anything once (including food). The big thing for us? God shows up every time his people gather, so that's a delight we're anticipating.

We are occasionally cautious or feel trepidation about what we don't yet know. How will it go 'over there'? Will we learn the language? Will we fit in and love the culture (as we expect)?

The planning is complicated. And perhaps the landing will be, too.

That said, God assures us that we CAN understand his intentions through scripture. We don't have to make trusting him more complicated than it is. The secret stuff belongs to him (Deut. 29:29) and the rest belongs to us. The goal is obedience that leads to abundant life in Christ.

During Lent, let's open our hearts and our minds to receive the gospel (Good News). Let's embrace the things we know, don't know, and our fears.

Surely a God who could perfectly spin the Earth on its axis can help us negotiate today and tomorrow!

Read more:
*They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8 NIV

*The large crowd was listening to Jesus with delight. Mark 12:37 ESV

Moravian Prayer: May your Word, Lord, go out to all the world. May all who follow your precepts find great delight in loving one another—and serving you. Amen.