Not Called to Comfort

I can’t believe that month one is coming to an end already. This month God has taught me a lot, but He’s really opened my eyes to this one thing – we aren’t called to be comfortable, we are called to be courageous.

In Joshua 1:9 the Lord says, “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.”

Courage. Bravery. Boldness. Three actions that I have been called to fully step into this month.

There have been many uncomfortable moments these past three and a half weeks, but I can say with confidence that these past four days have been the most uncomfortable. Over half of my team, including me, have/had lice. We have spent the last 96 hours nit picking and doing everything we can to get rid of it (with a few hours of sleep and lots of coffee in between). It’s been long and discouraging and I’ve longed for the comfort of my home. It’s been humiliating at times, but overall humbling. There was tension and disunity in the team, but it didn’t last. Through it all, there has been an abundance of growth and grace and unity. At first it was hard to understand why this would happen within the first few weeks, but the unity and growth we have received is making us an unstoppable force. We’re ready for the trials and triumphs we may face as a team these next two months, we’re expectant for what’s to come, and we’re united as one through Christ.

I want to tell you about one of my favorite moments here in South Africa. A moment where courage was a necessity and comfort wasn’t an option.

As me and the two others in my group were walking down the dirt roads of the squatter camp, we were feeling discouraged. We hardly saw a soul around and it seemed like everyone was out for the day. We proceeded, because we were eager to talk with someone and hear their story. As we continued, we saw a woman outside of her home with a smile full of joy, a bright green floppy hat, and the brightest yellow outfit. As we approached her house, we were ready for conversation, but we didn’t know how much the Holy Spirit would show His presence in that moment. Sweet Precious introduced herself and kindly welcomed us in. Luckily we had Dennis, a translator with us, because Precious spoke Zulu, one of the 12 languages here in South Africa. We got to hear her story of pain and brokenness, but her smile through it all encouraged me. We asked Precious what she knew about Jesus and she really didn’t know anything, but she was eager to learn. So we told her about Him, read scripture, answered questions, and just spent intentional time with her. By the end of our time with her, she was ready and excited to give her life to Jesus. Dennis asked if I would like to pray the salvation prayer with Precious and I hesitated. I had never done that before. I had other opportunities to, but I always let someone else do it who had before. I always had felt like it was too big of a deal and I would mess it up. But that moment was different. Dennis and my other teammate encouraged me and gave me confidence. I was reminded of what the Lord told Moses when he didn’t feel ready to go on the mission he was called to. He said “Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” So I went and I prayed the salvation prayer with Precious. It was a beautiful moment, overflowing with the Spirit of God. I spoke, Dennis translated, and Precious repeated the words from the bottom of her heart. When the prayer ended, she looked up and her face was filled with the purest and most genuine joy. That joy was contagious and spread to all of us. Precious isn’t living in hopelessness or defeat anymore, Precious is living in hope and victory through Christ and it was so evident in that moment.

Stories like this are why I’m here. Stories of redemption and new life. Stories of courage over comfort. Pretty, Melissa, Hope, Dominique, Shane, Wayne, Blessing, Cynthia, Ephine, Anique, Rachel, LeSadie, and Precious – parts of my heart will forever be in South Africa. Those aren’t just names, they are souls with stories. They are individuals who either know Jesus or know about Jesus. I have so much hope that I will see them in heaven one day and so much hope that they will spread His love in their broken communities. My team and I may be leaving this beautiful country in a couple of days, but the Holy Spirit isn’t. He is working through the communities of darkness and defeat to bring light and victory – all for the Kingdom.

Next time you have the choice, choose courage in the Lord over comforts of the world.

Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous.

love & prayers,

Amber