Where does one go after spending 11 months traveling the world and three months living in Jamaica? What could possibly be more exciting than that? Some may say that this was the climax of my adventures and everything from here on out will be less than satisfactory and probably full of comfort.
“You may want to think about settling down soon, maybe stay put for awhile.” To that I say; no thank you.
I may be ending the Race, but as a disciple of Jesus my journey has just begun. There are countless adventures to be had and I have no doubt many will exceed even that of the World Race. When you are truly following Jesus the promise of adventure is endless.
I thought for sure that after being 11 months on the mission field I would have narrowed down my future options, but God has other plans. He has provided me with no definite answer for where my path will go and that is alright with me because it means I have to trust Him even more.
He has revealed more of my heart’s desires though over the course of the year so I know where my next step will lead at least.
My most definite first step is to stay in Saginaw for a season where I can be with my family for a while after being away for so long. I discovered in Jamaica my heart for worship and leading others into God’s presence and I discovered on the Race my heart for youth in America. After working with youth all over the world I came to realize that America’s youth are probably the worst off and are most in need of Jesus. So I will be working with my church as a worship leader for high school students and will get the chance to really pour into them and help them to learn what it means to be sold out for Jesus.
After that, only God knows. The following are ministry opportunities that God has laid on my heart and I truly believe I could take any one of these paths and God would bless it.
- Disaster Relief: My heart has always been simultaneously broken and sped up when a disaster happens. It is beautiful when you can provide a physical means of help and marry that with the spiritual. The thought of getting to share Jesus’ love with those who are hurting most excites me; to give them the hope they so sorely need. My path may lead me to work with Samaritan’s Purse as an intern with their International Relief. Only God knows and it is all in His hands.
- Writing: I got my degree in writing for a reason because there is little that compares to the euphoria of hitting your stride and typing out a masterpiece (at least a masterpiece in my own mind). I would love to use my God-given gifts to inspire and encourage others. This could be in writing a book someday, writing for Christian magazines, or writing screenplays. We all know that Hollywood needs some Jesus. But again, only God knows and it is all in His hands.
- Speaking: For most of my life I hated public speaking. It made my knees lock up, my cheeks glow like a ripe tomato, and sweat pour out of me like water from a broken faucet. But at some point during my college years I discovered I rather enjoyed it. It was not until I was in Serbia though where I had to speak weekly in church that I learned that I did not just rather enjoy it; I loved it. I felt at home in front of people and it felt like the greatest pleasure in the world to be able to encourage people with God’s word. Who knows what this could look like in the future, maybe I could combine speaking with writing somehow; only God knows and it is all in His hands.
The future is so open for me and that is a beautiful thing. It allows me to wake up every morning and say, “Alright God, this is your day. Guide me and use me.” It isn’t an excuse to be lazy or complacent but to rely completely on God for every moment He allows you to be alive.
I encourage any of you who may feel lost and without direction to rethink your predicament. Look at every day as a gift from the supreme Creator and as another day to walk hand in hand with Jesus. He’ll show you the way. Just relinquish control to Him and stop worrying or fretting about the future. Seek first His kingdom and it’ll be revealed to you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
