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Yesterday the weather was so treacherous that the OPP recommended that everyone in Simcoe County stay off the roads. It simply wasn't safe for people to be traveling the roads. But in the midst of it, emergency workers, hydro crews, and road crews were out there.

Driving.

Working.

On the roads.

That weren't safe.

Safety can be a good thing, but too much of a good thing is not always good. I'm concerned that this is the case with our seeming emphasis on safety.

Fear about safety prevents us from exploring and making new discoveries. Fear about safety can prevent kids from reaching their potential. Fear about safety can prevent us from following God's leading into places and spaces we are being called.

  • Transitioning jobs may not feel safe.
  • Taking on a new ministry role may not feel safe.
  • Trusting someone else with something we're passionate about may not feel safe.
  • Saying no may not feel safe.
  • Digging into past experiences or trauma may not feel safe. (There are professionals who can help you with this!)
  • Being vulnerable - even with a spouse - may not feel safe.
  • Inviting a friend to church may not feel safe.
  • Living with a posture of love and forgiveness may not feel safe.
  • Following Jesus may not feel safe.

The fact is that the life of a Christian - one who follows a crucified Saviour and Lord - is never promised to be safe. It is an adventure that may take us places we never imagined ourselves going. But we are invited to follow knowing that the loving God of the universe is with us in whatever we face.

When I think about safety, I can't help but think of C.S. Lewis' book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. When Susan (a human girl who has found herself in Narnia) is talking with Mr. Beaver about Aslan, they have this conversation:

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion."

"Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

So, yes. Drive safely. Take appropriate precautions. But please don't miss out on something wonderful and exciting and good that God is calling you into because you feel you need to be safe.

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