Two years ago, I was at my small group and my friend expressed her interest in the World Race. Up until that point, I had been avoiding the opportunity to go on a mission trip for years, despite having plenty of chances to go on one.
In middle and high school, I went to a private Christian school in Norcross, GA called Greater Atlanta Christian School. Every summer and spring break there was some kind of mission trip to various countries.
Out of selfishness, I always avoided the missions scene and always made excuses for why I couldn’t spend a week of my life serving others. I was too concerned about my own needs, and how I could have fun during my spring or summer breaks.
In my sophomore year of college when my friend mentioned the World Race, I became curious and thought that this actually may be something I was interested in too. I kept the World Race in the back of my mind but pushed back the thought of actually doing it. It wasn’t high on my priority list. As the months passed by, my relationship with Christ started to grow tremendously, and I realized that my life and my desires are far less important than what God has planned.
He is the main part in the story, and I am only a supporting role in order to leverage His glory.
I am going on the World Race because I feel that God is calling me out of my comfort zone. I want to give up control to Him so that he may complete His will through me. Throughout college I have always been the “perfect 4.0 student.” Everyone knows me as the girl that is always doing everything in my control to get the best grades I can to later pursue a career in physical therapy. Soccer has also been a part of my life since I was 5 years old. Growing up playing soccer all these years, I have always pursued a high level of performance in everything I do to win the approval of my teammates, coaches, family, and friends.
What I have realized and what God has put on my heart is that the only approval that matters is God’s approval of me. I don’t need to try to live up to worldly expectations in order to gain the approval of the people around me.
I want to live in such a way that pleases God alone, even if no one else accepts me.
I’m done being a lukewarm Christian, and I am ready to fight the good fight of faith by stepping out into the unknown, going head first towards Christ. This begins by surrendering all my insecurities and fears to Him. I definitely have weaknesses, but I know that God uses His strength in my weakness in order to show His power and glory.
I am ready to take this leap of faith and I am open to having my world radically changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. This will allow me to continue renewing my mind and changing the desires of my heart. I want to proclaim to the nations the good news of Jesus Christ to people who have never heard the gospel before.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19
