God has been teaching me His name, Jehovah-Jireh which means The God who Provides. Let me give you a list of the things He has provided for me in the last 5 months:
Speaking Opportunities:
I have been able to speak at churches, funerals (yes, a funeral), FCA, to newspapers, and high school students about Jesus all because I said yes to going on The World Race. He's getting the glory!
Money:
I am unofficially FULLY FUNDED! And even then, the money is STILL coming in. People are being so generous in understanding that this trip is going to be much more than the $15,500 that I have asked for. Some are even donating for when I come home. One church is talking about setting up a monthly account for me to take care of expenses while I'm on the mission field! I have wrestled with the idea that I might not should go. I wondered if this was just some cool way to travel the world (the answer to that is yes by the way), but through His financial provision it is CLEAR that God wants me on this mission trip.
My Heart:
Remember that void I spoke about in my last blog? I am so content, fulfilled, and happy in Christ! Trust me, I never even knew what that meant before, much less thought I could ever say it. I am joyful and fulfilled not because I have everything I want, but because I KNOW I am in the will of God. Nothing beats this overwhelming peace. My life doesn't look exactly like what I would prefer, but it doesn't matter. I know my God is more committed to making His perfect plan come to pass than I am. Therefore I can rest in the assurance that I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
Job Opportunities:
This summer I will be hosting hitting/fielding clinics as well as personal lessons to help pay off my debt before I leave. I struggled with what I would do when I return home in July, and I still don't know what I'm going to do, BUT Fury has let me know that if I wanted I could come work for them full time! Praise the Lord!
Others Benefit:
I get to see other people benefit from this provision. It is not JUST for me. It is for my dad, who thought this was completely ludicrous. It is for my mom, to be overwhelmed at just how giving her church family can be. It's for Sue Franklin, who cannot speak, but got to donate a HEFTY amount to me and sow her very last seed before she passed away. It is for Lora, who got to watch her mother, Sue Franklin, light up with joy in giving. It is for a close family friend, who 5 years ago was given $500 from my Papaw right before he passed and was so joyful in returning the gift to me. It is for every. single. person who thought God couldn't or wouldn't do it. He is proving Himself faithful.
He is sufficient. He has provided in ways I couldn't even imagine.
Trust Him.
