Refusing to Hide
Kim Phuc eventually defected and became a Canadian citizen, and on page 207 of her book Fire Road she writes something remarkable which I want to share with you. She wrote: "I went to Toan (her husband) and explained my decision: that I would no longer live in fear, that I would practice the courage that Jesus promises His followers all throughout Scripture."
From Fear to Freedom
But her husband was an anxious man, and very new to the faith at this point – in fact she calls him "a full-time worry machine, filled to overflowing with that enemy Fear." In a great act of faith and courage, Kim wanted to be an example to her husband, and she boldly declares at the bottom of this page: "I will stop running from my fears, from my picture, from my past. Starting now, I refuse to hide."
This was a significant moment in Kim's life. Because up until then, she always felt ashamed that she was the girl in the picture. The picture haunted her, and even though she had found peace in Jesus, still there was this fear that somebody was going to judge her or use her because of who she had been. But in this moment, that fear was broken. With her faith firmly placed in Christ, she decided to embrace her past and stop hiding from it, so that her story might do good instead of continuing to harm her.
Embracing God's Purpose
Since that day, Kim has developed into a wonderful speaker who travels the world to tell her story of finding peace through Jesus. She gladly tells of how this picture opened doors for her ministry, and how God can use any bad thing for good.
So when Kim refused to hide from her past and her pain, her life was changed.
This is something for us to learn from. Many of us, like Kim's husband, are "full-time worry machines!" We are filled with fear, and shame, and our lives are dictated by these things, and so we never reach our full potential.
But friends, Jesus came not only to forgive us, but to free us from fear. So often, Scripture talks about our fears being conquered by God – like these famous words in Isaiah 43: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Is it time for you, today, to take a stand against fear, and say – like Kim – "I am done living in fear! I refuse to hide from my past!"?
God uses us for great things, friends, when we face up to our fears and our shame, and with His help, turn them into opportunities to help others and touch lives.
May you refuse to hide any longer, and practice the courage that Jesus promises you, like Kim Phuc did.
