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Standing Firm

By a missionary in South Asia

A missionary wife in South Asia meditates on the assurance of God's love in her life during a time of "worldwide fear."

President Bush stood firm in the wake of the September 11 disaster. "America is still in business," he assured us. "We have not shrunk back and shut down. We remain strong in adversity." His message resounded with hope and optimism in the face of tragedy. We knew the truth of his words. Though we had tears in our eyes, we rose in confidence.

Current world conditions affect us all, whether we reside in the USA or in South Asia. Yet, President Bush's words parallel our thoughts about God's kingdom. His speech could be rephrased: "Missions is still in business. We have not shrunk back and shut down. We remain strong in adversity."

How do I remain strong? "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions fail not." Like Jeremiah, I trust His love, when demonstrators hint at attacking Christians in our area, when I gulp over newspaper articles. I praise His love, when I see our Savior drawing people to Himself and when I gasp over His provision for financial needs. As He gives opportunity I share His comfort with others: "When I am afraid, I will trust in You, in God Whose word I praise…I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" National ladies and I have cried and prayed through those very words.

Sustainer, Provider, Protector: the names of God remind us that we should not only find our rest in Him, but also go forth in confidence. Didn't God send Jonah to the dangerous city of Nineveh to show them His love? I pray for Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein these days, that they might be transformed as was that other Christian persecutor, Saul. I thank God for loving us when we were His enemies.

He has chosen where we live, and He has chosen this time in which we live, that we might seek and know him (Acts 17:26-27). Our God does not promise escape from suffering. The people with whom we serve, both nationals and missionaries, have faced wars, floods, poverty, typhoons, and disease. Is this reason to despair? "No!" Paul roared, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him..." "No," affirm our brothers and sisters here. In this country, we greet each other with "Emmanuel!" Our God is with us: with Him, through Him, and completely in Him, we stand firm.

For more articles on terrorism and missions, read the Spring issue of the Message, "Missions in an Age of Uncertainty."