Fear. There is something so disabling and utterly mindless about being afraid.

Earlier this evening, before sundown, I was walking to the main missionary village for vespers. As I walked along, I suddenly saw a long snake lying across the path. My heart stopped for a second, but then I saw that the snake’s head had been crushed, and it was dead. I stepped around the snake’s body and continued on my way. Soon I began wishing I had moved the snake’s body off of the trail since I would be returning alone in the dark, and I didn’t want to step on it.

We had a great vespers, and I enjoyed the time with the other missionaries. But thoughts of my return trip remained in the back of my mind. By the time vespers was over, it was very dark and rainy, and my headlamp wasn’t working very well. As I began the trip back, fear and dread were growing in my mind. For most of the way home, I would look as far down the path as my light would allow, take two or three steps, stop, and look again. Needless to say, this process slowed me down greatly and gave me plenty of time to imagine the rest of the deceased snake’s family gathered for the funeral and wonder how quickly I could get back to the clinic with a venomous snake bite.

I tried singing and reciting scripture as I walked. This helped, but some fear still remained. Off in the distance, I heard the sound of drums. Suddenly, I was reminded that I was in territory that Satan claims as his, and fear is one of his favorite weapons. Satan doesn’t want me or any other missionary here, and he will do whatever he can to get rid of us.

I finally reached the dorm and hurried up the ladder. Deciding to postpone my intended shower until the morning, I quickly pulled up the ladder and bolted the door.

Now, as I lie here safely in my mosquito net (because we all know mosquito nets are invincible), I can still hear the sound of drums in the distance. I think of all those who still live their lives in darkness, controlled by fear. I know where they can find light and safety—in Christ alone. Satan won’t give up easily. He never does. But in the end, I can know for certain that Christ will triumph.

P.S. In the two weeks since I wrote this, I have walked that trail several times alone in the dark, even without a light a couple nights ago. God is really helping me learn to trust Him more and to walk by faith, both on the physical and spiritual paths of life.

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