Grocery shopping in a Zambian supermarket reminded me of Black Friday shopping in America. 

Wall-to-wall people jammed the aisles as I maneuvered my cart through the maze of chaos. I scanned my grocery list. Only one more item. Where was the baking powder? 

Smells of freshly baked bread tempted us, while my four kids whined, “How much longer? We’re hungry.”

“I’m almost finished,” I reassured and placed the powder in my shopping cart. I turned to back up when something whacked me on the head. 

I don’t remember if I saw stars or birds. Only that my kids were pressing on me and pleading, “Mommy, wake up,” while a crowd towered over me and whispered, “Is she ok?”

No one expects to get knocked out in a supermarket :) But when we live around the world, we will face unexpected situations. 

We desire safety as global workers, but it isn’t a guarantee. God promises His protection even though we may still experience pain or loss. 

Hebrews 11 records the heroes of the faith and the difficulties they endured; yet, they kept their eyes on Jesus and persevered until the end.  

Their faith in God was stronger than their fear of man. They trusted God to take care of them regardless of the consequences. 

“Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensures us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1b-2a

The men and women of faith decided to follow God no matter the cost and removed any distractions. They disciplined themselves to endure God’s calling, and they desired eternity with Jesus. 

We can do the same today. 

No matter what nerve-racking situation we face, from getting knocked out in a grocery store to being held up at gunpoint, we can take comfort that God promises to be with us. 

May we live by faith like the heroes gone on before us. Keeping our eyes on Him and remembering, “the safest place in all the world is in the will of God.” (Warren Wiersbe)