What do we do when we are afraid?

Florence, Italy is a medieval city that was not designed for cars. Every morning, Jon and I travel about two miles from our home to our language school in the heart of the city.

Every form of transportation we’ve tried has plusses and minuses. Walking is healthy, but walking in Florence can resemble a game of “Frogger,” because of so many motorized vehicles. We sometimes use a combination of bus and tram and walking, but this doesn’t save a lot of time and the bus schedules can seem like suggestions.  Traveling by bicycle in the city doesn’t work well because of the cobblestones and foot traffic.

Last month, we rented a Vespa. On it, we zipped around traffic jams and down small side streets with ease. Yet, I clung tightly to Jon and shut my eyes to keep from crying out. I was terrified… not of Jon’s excellent driving, but of every unexpected obstacle! Thankfully, I remembered a lesson learned from my mother-in-law. It is hard to be afraid when you praise the Lord. So, I sang all the way down and back from language school every time we rode the Vespa. I sang songs of faith, songs of praise, hymns, choruses, and camp songs. As I sang, I focused on the truth that God is with us wherever we go.

Joshua 1:9 is something our family has clung to throughout our missionary journey. In this passage, the Lord said to Joshua, “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.” We serve a good God who calls us and goes with us. In big and small things, we know that we are never alone. God is faithful and He is good. We can trust him.

We are thankful that God also calls ministry partners to go with us. It is a joy that we can serve the Lord in community with you. Thank you for praying for us and for your financial gifts. When we are afraid of big and small things God often sustains us through you.

The walk to our language school is enjoyable, yet exhausting by the end of the day.

 

Andrew has started playing guitar with the church worship team.