“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworty saying that deserves full acceptance:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisble, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I know I have a “My Bio” blog, but I felt that I should share a little more of my story. Here goes…
Just a few weeks ago, my life was headed in a very different direction. In May, I graduated from Ashland University with a degree in Psychology and Religion. I had been accepted into a Clinical Pastoral Counseling program at Ashland Theological Seminary and was excited to learn how to help people find wholeness and healing in Jesus Christ. However, even though I had several “open doors” leading me to the seminary, I had been doubting the decision since January. It made so much sense, but there was a feeling of uneasiness in my soul. It was difficult to think about not going to the seminary. I would be in a community of people I love… I had just moved into my first apartment… My roommate was awesome (we like the same TV shows and desserts, and we both love God)… I had a job that I loved, and a scholarship for grad school.
Knowing that God may ask me to walk away from it all, I wanted to be sure. So I had many, many conversations with friends, seeking their counsel. I thought about it all the time. And I spent time searching the Word and in prayer, asking for direction. And God spoke to me through this time, He just did not address the topic that was always on my mind – what was I supposed to do! God remained silent on the subject, as if He had already told me, and I just had to follow through.
Meanwhile, I stumbled across the Adventures in Missions webpage. I remember reading something like, “Maybe God has something else for you other than a degree, a house, and a honda.” While I have many friends who I believe to be in the center of God Will who have all three, it hit home with me. I was following the grad school path because it’s what I was “supposed to do.” There’s a quote in Blue Like Jazz where the author talks about how he felt like he ended up being who he should be instead of who he was. That resounded with me. So, I began re-reading old journal entries and remembering my childhood dreams (I also read The Dream Giver per recommendation from a 2006 World Racer). I realized that God had given me a dream a long time ago to travel the world and love people in His Name.
Assurance did not come right away. In fact, I faced a great deal of fear and doubt. But through the process of walking away from the life I knew and joining the January 2007 World Race, God has assured me that I am in the center of His will. I cannot imagine what He has in store… How great is our God!
To Live is Christ.
