"'If there is anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" asked Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he is good. He is the King, I tell you.'" -Excerpt from "Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis
For those of you who know me, you know my intense love for all things C.S. Lewis, in particular the character of Aslan. This quote is one of my absolute favorites from the series. And this quote can sum up my whole time in NYC. Scratch that, my whole life.
If you have never had the extreme pleasures of reading the "Chronicles of Narnia", I implore you to do so. These books were truly used to bring me closer to Christ. The character of Aslan is the representation of God throughout the series. And let me tell you. Even the mere mention of the name Aslan around me and the waterworks turn on. I just love how he embodies all these different characteristics of God which ultimately leads me to praise the true God.
Now, to the real reason I am writing. I think often times we as Christians, myself included, think this whole following Christ thing is going to be rainbows and butterflies. The fact is, being a Christian means we are guaranteed heartache, trials, and pain. Just read 1 Peter 4:12-19 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you
to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also
rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for
the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of
God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief
or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
As you read this, do not think "Oh my goodness has her time in NYC been all heartache and pain?" Of course not! My heart leaps when I think about all the goodness that has been bestowed upon me. I literally cannot speak enough of the goodness of Christ here in my life. But let it be known, there have been hard times. Times that haven't been easy. Times that haven't been "safe" by the world's standard.
Take a look at this from a "what's safe" standpoint. Would the safe choice be to move from my family and friends and everything I have known to a city where I know no one, to a culture I am not familiar with, to a place where many people around me do not speak the same language as me? Thoughts of "safe" went out the door the second I unpacked the moving truck. (Disclaimer because I know my family reads this: I live in a safe place. But really nowhere is completely safe. If God wants something to happen, it will happen regardless of whether you are curled up next to your fireplace with your family in TN or in NYC. Another disclaimer, discernment must be used when doing things so you shouldn't be completely reckless with your life. Another discussion for another day but you get my point)
This move has been a huge leap of faith for me and one that couldn't have happened without complete trust that God is the one in control. There have been times that have been hard. Times where I have cried and questioned why God would put me through things. Times where I have terribly missed my family and friends from TN. But all that pain, heartache, suffering? I wouldn't trade a second. It has been for my good. It has always been for my good. He knows what's best for me and my heart. He gives and withholds knowing what is the most good for me and what will bring Him the most glory.
So yes, He knows what is good is not is not necessarily safe. But his good is always better than our good. And always remember, God's glory is our ultimate good. And fear not, you can trust God knows what he is doing when it comes to knowing what is good and what is not. For he is King.
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."
