As a future World Racer and during this fundraising saga you can expect various reactions, there's the expected ones…
1) "That's amazing! I can't believe you're doing that, I actually always wanted to do that, you have my vote" (so far this reaction is the one that has opened up amazing conversations as I see hope light up in people that they too can go all out for Jesus)
2)"Wow, really that's great! God Bless you for doing that!
and the unexpected ones:
1) Wow that's great, but what about your job? and your finances? and what are you going to do when you come back???
2)Oh I didn't know you were like that? (Not too sure what that means)
3)I just don't understand why you have to pay to go on a mission, they should pay for you to give your time I think.
Bottom line, my experience so far is that some will be for you, more than you thought will not agree with you, but don't break a sweat about it. There's a phrase sticking to my mind these days like syrup at the bottom of a greasy plate, it goes like this
"If God is the one that called you than God is the one who will provide, If people are the ones that called you then you are at their mercy to get the provision you need"
God has put everything in place including the people who will partner with you to make the finances come in. But in the end don't lose sight of the fact that God is the one you trust in, he is the one making everything happen "The Author and Finisher of Our Faith" he is your number one cheerleader on this journey and he wants to see you grow and succeed. Take heart, He Has Overcome the World! he's got everything under control.
Don't break a sweat trying to explain all the in's and out's of your decision to those who don't agree, who throw difficult questions in order to make you stumble, just walk away and pray for them. Remember to excercise mercy even when you don't feel like it. Everyone is not called to understand and support your particular vision. But you can continue to pray for them and love them and maybe in the end they turn out to be your greatest supporter.
I for one am trying to make the most of this preparation time. I don't think God wants me to sit around and stress about the future. Instead I will practice what his word says "Passionate Patience" I will serve while I'm waiting. I will strive to please Him everyday no matter what Im doing, no matter where I am. I can't say I fully understand it yet but I am trying to live it out. I can have joy everyday no matter what because I know without a shadow of a doubt he has a great future ahead for me. His wisdom is higher than mine and this is such a relief, Im in the perfect hands. No matter what HE's GOT Me!!! He is Good all the time!
