Risk, Wisdom, and the Will of God
Lessons from Scripture and Missionary History for Dangerous Fields
Every Servant Faces the Tension of Risk and Calling
If you serve Jesus in a hard or dangerous place, you know what it means to wrestle with risk and calling. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Paul and the early apostles risked everything for the gospel. The first church often faced life-threatening choices, and many “hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is not theory—it’s reality for countless believers.
The Bible Does Not Glorify Recklessness
Scripture never encourages us to chase danger for its own sake. Sometimes, Paul stayed when the threat was great. Sometimes, he left. He fled Damascus by night, lowered in a basket through a wall. He slipped out of Thessalonica when a mob formed. Even Jesus left towns where people wanted to kill Him. These were not acts of fear, but wise obedience. The Holy Spirit sometimes leads us into the fire and sometimes leads us to step away. Mature faith knows the difference.
Obedience Sometimes Means Moving On
There are moments when the most faithful thing you can do is leave. Paul was “bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,” knowing danger lay ahead, but he also listened to warnings and advice along the way. If, after prayer and wise counsel, you sense God leading you to move, change fields, or step away from danger, that is not cowardice. It is obedience. God honors the believer who listens to the Spirit’s promptings, whether that means staying or leaving. Many missionaries have changed locations, paused ministries, or moved on for a season because the Lord led them to do so. That is wisdom, not weakness.
Honor Each Other’s Convictions and Paths
When Paul’s friends tried to talk him out of going to Jerusalem, they did it because they cared about him. Paul heard them out, but he followed what he believed God wanted. It takes both courage and caution to follow Jesus. We shouldn’t look down on anyone for leaving if God leads them away, or for staying if that’s what He wants. Respecting each other’s choices is just part of real Christian love. We must never shame someone for leaving if God is leading them to go, and we must not shame those who stay if God calls them to remain. Real love in the body of Christ respects each person’s walk with the Lord.
Wise Precautions Are Part of Christian Stewardship
Paul often escaped trouble by night and used practical wisdom. The early church scattered under persecution, and that was part of God’s plan to spread the gospel. Paul used his Roman citizenship to avoid harm when possible. Jesus said, “When they persecute you in this city, flee into another.” Listening to local believers, seeking legal protection, and using common sense are not signs of weak faith. It is faithful stewardship.
Faith Does Not Ignore Clear Danger or Laws
God does not call us to ignore obvious danger or to break the law to prove a point. Crossing into a closed country like North Korea without permission may not be a biblical risk, but possibly a presumption. Preaching in front of a police station or publicly advertising your ministry where criminals or kidnappers might be watching is not boldness; it is exposing yourself and others to harm God has not called you to bear. We are called to serve wisely and discreetly, not to attract unnecessary trouble.
Stories from Missionary History
Many of God’s servants have shown both courage and wisdom.
Adoniram Judson moved his wife and family to safety when war and sickness threatened their lives in Burma.
Hudson Taylor did not hesitate to move locations throughout China when the threat increased, always adjusting his plans with prayer.
Amy Carmichael rescued children from danger but made sure her team and the children in her care were as safe as possible. She never shamed those who needed to step away.
Jim and Elisabeth Elliot followed the Lord’s leading at great cost—Jim risked his life and was martyred; Elisabeth listened to God, withdrew, and later returned to serve the very people who had killed her husband.
Gladys Aylward risked her life to save orphans during the Japanese invasion of China, but also fled when wisdom called for it, trusting God at each step.
William Carey persevered through years of hardship, but always prepared and took counsel before acting.
Dr. Bill Wallace of China cared for the wounded during the war and endured imprisonment and death for his faith. He served with courage and humility, taking wise precautions when possible, and trusted God with the results.
The Body of Christ Needs Love, Wisdom, and Freedom
You can stay or go as God leads. Either can be an act of faith. Do not pressure others with guilt or spiritual pride. Taking precautions honors God. Use legal rights and protections when you can. Always pray and seek wise advice, especially from those who know the local situation well.
Respond to Danger with Prayer
If you are facing risk, pause to pray and listen. Seek counsel from those who have walked this road and who love your soul. Listen to local believers and those who know the realities on the ground. Do not rush. Leaving is not cowardice if God leads. Staying is not bravado. Both can be obedient.
Avoid Foolish Choices. Trust God’s Wisdom
Do not cross borders illegally or attract unnecessary trouble with authorities. Do not put yourself or others at risk through bravado or publicity. Trust God to lead you. Use the wisdom He gives, and rely on the Spirit to guide your every step.
God’s Love Goes With You
Whether you stay or go, whether you lay low or speak up, let it be God’s voice you are following. He loves you and those you serve. You are never alone. He is with you, always.
How Can a Young Missionary Decide What to Do?
Spend focused time in prayer. Quiet your heart before God and ask Him to make His will clear through His Word, His Spirit, and His peace.
Seek wise counsel. Talk with those who know the country, its dangers, and its culture, not just other foreigners but trusted local believers.
Consider your own sense of calling. Do you feel genuine peace, direction to stay, or holy unrest that you should move on?
Listen to your conscience. Is there fear, or just caution? Is it conviction, or is it pressure from others? God’s voice is gentle, not pushy.
Think of your team, family, and those you lead. Are you being pressured by their expectations or your own pride?
Use all available wisdom, legal protections, safety measures, and local knowledge. This is not a lack of faith but good stewardship.
Remember, it is not faithless to leave if God leads. It is not braver to stay if God says go. True courage is doing what God asks, not what others expect.
Be honest with your supporters and family. Share what you sense from God, and let them know you are following Him, not just your own ideas.
Do not make a hasty decision. Before acting, sit with it, pray, and let God confirm it in several ways.
Know that you are loved and seen by God, no matter where you serve. His love is not tied to your geography but to your heart.
You are not alone if you need a listening ear, encouragement, or help praying through a decision. Many have walked this road before you, and God Himself walks it with you now.