Life On The Edge Series

The reporter then challenged her. “Some missions observers praise you for your zeal in evangelism, but wonder whether your situation might make it harder for missionaries who try to fly in under the radar and do things quietly. Do you feel like it's going to be harder to reach Muslims in that part of the world?”

I love Heather’s reply. She said, “I'm sure it will affect people as they look at going back. But I rest in the fact that… God has sovereignly put all of this together. It has nothing to do with us; we're just trying to respond to God in the midst of it…”

She continued, “Others will disagree or agree, but there will be a point in this whole area of missions among Muslims where you're not going to be able to slip under the radar anymore. If we're going to see the glory of God and local communities of believers established in these places where there's never been a gospel witness before, it's going to mean people standing up in the midst of persecution saying, ‘Yes, I follow Jesus. I know it's not the popular thing here, but I'm going to boldly make known his name.’ And it will cost people their lives.

“We can't forever be incognito Christians and expect it to happen. The church is grown and birthed in the midst of persecution. It was that way in the New Testament, and I believe it will be that way in our generation, too.” (Stan Guthrie and Wendy Murray Zoba, “Double Jeopardy,” Christianity Today, June 28, 2002)

Wow! Doesn’t that make you want to stand up and applaud? Heater Mercer and Dayna Curry were not content to be incognito Christians, like so many others. They were not content to live a comfortable life of ease, away from the difficult places where God loves to work. NO! They dared to be on the cutting edge, and they were not going to let anything stop them from doing what they knew God wanted them to do.

How about you and me? Are you ready to live? Then dare to step out of your comfort zone. Dare to put yourself in the place where few venture to go? Dare to attempt something so far beyond your ability that God would have to perform a miracle to make it work. Dare to live life on the edge, and don’t let anyone or anything stop you.

People who stand still may avoid stubbing their toes, but they won't make much progress. So…

Rise up, O men of God!

Have done with lesser things;

Give heart and mind and soul and strength

To serve the King of kings. (William P. Merrill)