The Promise Keeper

These are all questions I was asking myself earlier this summer.

To back up a bit, when I knew I was going to go on the World Race, I told myself that I would not be someone who got bogged down in worry over 'fundraising'.  However,  I became that person. There I was, a month and $2,000 from my first deadline.

It was hard not to panic when I saw other squad mates praising God for their provisions and financial support. Don't get me wrong, my heart smiles and soars when I read about how Father is taking care of His beloved children. It's so beautiful and encouraging. But, at the same time I was thinking, "Okay, when is it my turn?; God? I am still here too!" I wasn't trying to be selfish and seek pity. I wanted God to take over, provide, and get the glory!

This passage came to me at just the right moment. God used this to remind me not to box Him in. Who am I to tell, predict, or demand something from God? Why not allow Him to move mountains and perform miracles…at the right time. His time, not mine.

So I began to pray. I prayed that I would not let fear, anxiety, or worry take over. I asked God to remove all doubt from my mind. I know the Lord is calling me to the World Race and with that comes trust and patience that He will ultimately provide.

Then, I started to get real excited and pumped about how God would show up. I simply knew He would. If it was going to be the last minute when my funds came in, I was okay with that. I then began praying that God would provide in such a way that when anyone would ask or see, it would obvious and evident of His Divine hand.

“God, please use me to demonstrate how real and powerful Your promises are! I want the world to know I serve a Sovereign God, who holds all things together and therefore is in control of all things. Let the testimony of my fundraising shine and exude Your Glory!!”

              Okay, so having prayed all this, I was eagerly, yet patiently waiting. Then, out of nowhere and when least expected. Bam!! God began showing off. I mean, donations were coming in from all directions. An older group of people I meet on Thursdays took up an offering, my yard sale made 4x as much as expected (raising enough $ for gear), and a few awesome individual donors supported me! It was beautiful, unexpected, and all by the grace of God.

              So, here I am. Surpassing my first deadline of $3,500 by $6! Praise our Father for that one!! He is faithful. His promises are true.

              I am not sure how God plans on getting me to my next goal of $6,500 by August 18^th, but oh man, I am so eager to see how! His way of doing this is much much better than anything I could’ve planned on my own.

"God, you are rocking my world!
 I am so glad that we are in this together. You've got me in your arms, your plan is perfect, and I am placing my trust in Your promise. I love you!"          

(Another passage of encouragement!)    
 
              "And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!…But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his Kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not little flock, for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:22-24, 28-32