Running to the Fireનમૂનો

GOING TO THE “NO-GO” ZONES

In relief work, parts of the world are looked at as “go zones” and others are considered “no-go zones.” The latter are places considered to be too hot to enter. But I realized early on that it’s often in the no-go zones that the needs are greatest. I believe there are times when, as Christians, we will be called to go to the no-go zones, to run to the fire, whether across the globe, across town, or across the room.

When we read the Gospels and survey the life of Jesus, He consistently looked beyond the limitations and boundaries that the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the culture had set and ventured into the no-go zones of His day. Healing on the Sabbath, talking to the woman at the well, having dinner in the homes of “sinners,” and, as a rabbi, washing His own disciples’ feet are great examples of how He didn’t just push the boundaries but blew completely past them. Why? To “love the Lord your God” and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39, NIV).

For Samaritan’s Purse, when we have responded to a need in the world, God has granted us access, and then, by helping people, by being transparent, by being honest, by being responsive and fulfilling our commitments, we have earned respect from the people and His name has been glorified.

With what shall I come before the Lord

and bow down before the exalted God?…

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?…

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:6–8, NIV)

There are no dividing lines between the secular and the sacred. To God, everything He created and ordained is sacred. He calls us to all of it.

What seem like no-go zones in your life right now? In what ways might God be drawing you into those areas?