A squadmate of mine, Andrea Gosselin, wrote a great blog about all the “what ifs” that might be running through our minds as we think about leaving the comforts of home to travel the world for 11 months with all of our belongings in a back pack. It sounds pretty crazy when you think about it, but at the same time, I can’t wait to share the LOVE of our heavenly Father all around the world.
What if we get sick?
What if we feel unsafe?
What if we aren’t making the full spiritual impact amongst the nations that the Lord commands of us?
What if those that we’ve come to meet, spend time with, care for, love, pray with- turn away from us?
What if I get homesick?
What if I can’t handle all of the things that we will see and experience-mentally, physically, emotionally?
What if I offend someone’s culture without realizing it?
What if I miss my family, friends and everyday comforts so much that it consumes me?
What if the people we reach out to don’t want to hear what we have come to say?
What if they DO want to hear the Gospel and know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior but the right words never come to us?
What if I grow completely tired of living out of a backpack and sleeping in a tent?
What if I got it wrong, and this isn’t where God was calling me?
What if I fail?
What if we have an amazing journey living in 11 different countries and among 11 different cultures?
What if we meet people all over the world that have an everlasting impact on our lives and us on theirs?
What if we see God work in more ways than we ever imagined possible?
What if a girl (someone’s daughter, sister, mother, friend) in the sex slave industry finally finds the way out she’s been praying for?
What if an orphan feels loved?
What if prayers are answered?
What if miracles take place on a daily basis?
What if people are healed?
What if hundreds of men, women and children dedicate their lives to Christ?
What if one person hears the Gospel for the very first time?
What if we provide hope to the hopeless and love to the lonely and forgotten?
What if lifelong friendships grow and strengthen as my team sees one other at our best and our worst?
What if we bring even one life closer to God?
What if I live out God’s will?
What if this is just the beginning?
Of course there will always be a million reasons to not do something, the real question is, what could happen if you just go out and do it?
I believe God led us here for a reason. He put the desire to go on the World Race in my heart for a reason. Sometimes I laugh at how I even got here; it all seemed to happen so fast. Yet in all reality, it’s not always for us to understand. It’s up to us to trust the Lord and follow His lead…
For His will be done.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
