Well, this is it. This is my final blog for the World Race and the end of this journey. I’ve had a lot of thoughts and feelings about leaving the Race. Some good and some bad, but I’m starting to understand some of it. I don’t understand the World Race at all; no of us can fully understand it. Some of my squad was asking each other this question recently “Was it all worth it?”. So I began to think if I really thought all of this was worth it and then decided to write a blog with it.
I think a lot of people are going to ask me if this trip was worth it or if I would recommend it to someone. I just spent nine months of my life away from home, people that I love, comforts, and missed a year of college. A lot of people may say that’s not worth it; I’ve had people tell me at home and away that this was a waste of time. I’m going to be honest and say that this trip was incredibly difficult. It is not for everyone. You sacrifice so many things to live this lifestyle. I would say there are things people don’t consider though.
In all honesty if only one person came to Christ during the entire nine months that I was traveling then it was worth leaving those comforts, people, and missing that year of college. Giving up some of my life, dreams, and comforts for the sake of the gospel was worth it. It was worth every second of what God had to teach me during this time. Any pain, joy, discouragement, or emotions that I felt during the Race. In short, yes, the Race was worth everything and more. People, you don’t need to be “special” to become a disciple of Jesus Christ; you just say yes.
Now, the second question is would I recommend the Race to someone thinking about it.
I would say to that person, maybe. Giving up your time and life to God is first of all not easy. These nine months were difficult. You are giving up dreams, friends, a ‘comfortable life’, time, money, and so much more, so think long and hard before committing. However, if you are sold out for what God has for your life and willingly give up everything to see that, then this trip is for you.
This life is not for the qualified saints who are O.K. with not being home for awhile. No, this is for people that radically follow Jesus and have reckless abandon for the sake of the gospel. God will change your life when you make decisions to give up everything for Him. Whether it be quitting a job, going on a nine-month missions trip, or going back to school for what God has truly called you to do. Selling out to Jesus is the only thing that is truly worth it in life. I will absolutely promise you that.
Well, that’s all. Simple and sweet. That’s my last blog for the World Race; this time has come to an end. I will be in America in a few days and moving on to some other things for now. I know I will struggle being home and moving on, but I know God has a plan for it all. It has been a crazy nine months to say the least and I will never forget it. I have met some of the most wonderful people on my squad and in other countries. I have seen the World and experienced the glory of God in many places. I will never forget this time. However, it’s time for me to move on to things God has for me in the future. The next few months I will be working, seeking the Lord, and living radically and intentionally for Jesus. This fall I will be doing a discipleship program called CGA in Gainesville, Georgia with Adventures in Missions. I will also have a blog during that time to just sharing what the Lord is doing in my life and things He is teaching me. If you want to keep up with me or donate towards my time there you can follow that blog or friend me on Facebook.
paulduesing.adventurescga.org
Paul Daniel Duesing
