I am nothing.
I have nothing to offer.
I can’t change someone’s life.
11 months in 11 different countries.
Is 1 month in a country really worth it?
Is 11 countries in 11 months a selfish world adventure?
Would it make more of an impact just going 1 place for 6 months?
These are thoughts that plague my mind and questions I find myself asking. Many times I have questioned what the impact of short term missions. Over the last few months I have wrestled with this. Is it fair to go a location for 1 month…times 12? Is that even right? [I do understand the importance of supporting long term projects and that many organizations depend on short term groups or individuals to support their ongoing programs.] But I question, is this the right way to do it? And I really question if I will have a lasting impact? Does MY going there really make a difference? What skills? What knowledge? What talents do I have to offer?
Whether it’s short term or long term…what do I have to offer?
Although these questions spring into my mind at random, I am constantly reminded that God is calling me to go! Most of the time, I have 100% peace about going. Since I applied to the World Race, I have known that God is leading me. I have felt this in quiet prayer times, during large corporate worship services, during intimate small group times, through words of encouragement from friends and family, from prayers and words from total strangers, and through a stirring in my heart as I have read God’s word. I KNOW that this is my next step. And I TRUST that God is leading me.
But what do I have to offer? How will I make any impact? After all…I am nothing.
When I look at the grand scheme of things, when I look at the state of the world or even just one community…I don’t have the answers, I don’t even understand the full extent of the problems, I feel so ill-equipped to ‘make a difference’. But God has reminded me that, that’s the point…I am nothing!
God, who has called me to this adventure, is EVERYTHING!
And in reality, without Him I can’t do anything of significance. He has forgiven, redeemed, healed, empowers, equips and guides me. Through him my brokenness is made beautiful. All I can do it TRUST him and obey the direction he is leading me in. So…I will follow. I will obey. I will strive to love.
1 John 3:18 says “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions”. From the beginning of my World Race journey my desire has been to share God’s love with the people we are serving, with my squad-mates and those organizations/individuals we are working alongside (seriously, it’s in my support letter!). And so I trust that in my brokenness God’s love will pour through…because I am nothing and I am so glad that He is everything.
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
