MikePeercy.com

A couple of months ago I wrote a post called “My World-Changers.” (Read it here)

Today, we hugged these amazing kids of ours – who are, in many ways, far more grown-up than I am – and let them go. As I write this, they are taking off in Houston and in a few hours will be landing in Honduras. It’s exciting. And it’s terrifying.

As we have prepared over the last couple of weeks to send them on their way, I have sensed this resonant whisper in my spirit. It seems my Father’s constant reminder has been something like this: “This is what you raised them to do – to follow Me wherever I lead and to join Me in what I am doing.”

Of course, He’s right. He always is.

That doesn’t take the fear away or drive out the tears. But it does something much better – much greater. It’s makes them worth it. It makes the fear and anxiety and the sadness matter. It makes it mean something.

The truth is that God has been at work in these kids for many years to bring them to this current step of obedience and faith. He has made them courageous – but not fearless. I used to think that courage was the absence of fear, but I am convinced now that I was absolutely wrong. You see, without fear, there is no need for courage. Courage is, in fact, what trumps our fears.

As Mickey and Jessica step out on this amazing journey, I find myself praying that God will constantly provide the courage to take each step in spite of the fear. And I am confident that this is a prayer God will most certainly answer.

I am reminded of the words that the Angel of The Lord spoke to a young leader named Joshua as he was about to lead a fledgling nation in the most incredible conquest he could have imagined:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1.9

The dangers and uncertainties that my kids might face will never surprise our Father who goes before them. And, though they are way out of my presence, they can never be out of His – no matter where they go.

Like each of us who follows Jesus, Mickey and Jessica have been called to run the race of faith with perseverance and courage and faith. They have spent their lives to this point preparing for this race – and I, for one, can’t wait to see how powerfully God will use them.

And they’re off…beyond my reach, out of my sight. But my Father has His all-seeing eyes upon them and His all-powerful arms around them. And I can’t be more proud or more excited for them. Go, kids, go! Run well – and know that all of us in this great cloud of witnesses are praying for you, cheering you on, and are bursting with pride to have been a part of your journey.

Father, I trust these amazing kids into Your hands. Do great things with them – and may You use their example to stir all of us who know them to step out courageously in faith to the great things to which you have called us.