And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19
God is good.
He is good, He is good, He is good. And He provides for His children, even if we don't deserve it.
When I first got accepted to the World Race, I admit I was intimidated by the amount of money I would need. The required $15,500 is a staggering sum, especially with bills and student loans looming in the back of my mind. I did not initially even realize how much the additional costs of equipment, vaccinations, traveler's insurance, and other needs would add up. The prospect of fundraising was another seemingly valid excuse to change my mind and forget about the Race. I really dislike asking people for help. Asking for financial aid especially makes me cringe.
Growing up, I was taught to work hard to earn what I have, and to trust God to provide. We did not have much in the early days of my childhood (at least, not much compared to the average middle-class American), but I didn't really mind. In fact, I didn't really notice we were poor. My family found joy filling our house with love, so in general I wasn't too distraught when we couldn't fill it with things. I have learned that gratefulness in itself is a precious gift. It allows you to be content in every situation, and opens your eyes to the many blessings God gives us each day.
Despite the evidence of God's faithfulness to me and my family in the past, I had some concerns about raising support for the World Race. In case you haven't checked the news lately, we're not exactly in the ideal economic situation as a nation. As I typed out my support letters, I agonized over every word. I wondered if asking people for a donation was selfish, knowing everyone is on a tight budget these days. Even though the money I was asking for will be put to good use, I felt guilty.
Through my Mom's wise counsel, God convicted me of my false perspective. Who am I to consider my pride more important than someone else's joy of giving to the Lord? With this in mind, I realized how self-centered the guilt I was feeling really was.
The first words of Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life puts it bluntly: "It's not about you!" Every donation I have received has been a donation not to me, but to the ministry of Christ. Every penny has been an offering from a willing servant to their God. The many people who have donated and I are each a part of a bigger plan God has for reaching the lost, providing for the needy, loving the forgotten.
I have been blown away by the Lord's faithfulness to provide for me these past few months. The generosity the Body of Christ has shown me has been humbling and inspiring. In less than four months, my World Race account has gone from $0 to $11,768.38! To God be the glory!
I want to thank everyone for the support I have received so far. Each Sunday I walk into my church and immediately spot Threads of Hope bracelets on dozens of wrists. I know I am being strengthened daily by many prayers spoken on my behalf. And there is absolutely no way I could have raised thousands of dollars without the generous hearts I have encountered. I am overwhelmed when I consider the sacrifices involved in each donation and in each moment set aside to lift my squad and me up in prayer. Thank you!
I am certain this year will not be without some failings on my part, but I will try to fulfill the workings God has planned to the best of my ability. The next chapter in this journey begins with my departure from Columbus, GA on July 3rd. I look forward to sharing that journey with you in the months to come!
