In the "Secret Church" series, Dr. David Platt talks of a seminary in Indonesia, where the requirements for graduation include planting a church--with at least 30 newly-baptized believers--in a Muslim community. 2 students lost their lives in one year as they tried to fulfill this goal.

I've heard a lot of talk recently about living "radically" for Christ and being "bold in the faith," but hearing stories like this completely upsets my neat little idealized Christianity package. Here I am, on summer break, and my biggest stresses are training for a race, getting my room clean, and trying to spend more time studying the Bible. And then I am reminded that there are men and women all over the world who are dying, literally dying, in order that even one person might come to know Christ. That is a boldness of faith that I am severely lacking in, and it's a humbling reminder that there's no "comfort zone" in this life God's called me to.

But if His grace is enough (it is!) then I just need to pursue Him in faith and allow Him to shape my heart and guide my soul into His ways.

Psalm 37: 3-6

Trust in the Lord and do good;

Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Take delight in the Lord,

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

Trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,

Your vindication like the noonday sun.