I’ve been to Colombia and Peru on mission trips before. The ways God provided for those trips was nothing short of a miracle. Really. Ask me about it in person sometime. I’d love to tell you about it!
I’ve also intended on going to South Africa and Panama before. Those two trips didn’t go quite as planned. The money didn’t come in and I had to deal with the other side of what could happen when trying to go on a mission trip.
I’ve seen the fruit of God’s provision and I’ve seen what it’s like to come up short. Because of that, I can either be filled with hope or filled with doubt when it comes to this fundraising process. It’s no secret that you handle current situations based on past experiences and well… sometimes South Africa and Panama have more of an effect than Colombia and Peru.
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In the Bible, there’s this guy named Thomas. Thomas gets a bad rep. 2000 years later and the term “doubting Thomas” is still being used. Poor guy. One moment forever defining what people see him as.
In case you hadn’t heard the story, let me catch you up. Jesus had just died and rose from the dead so He appeared to the disciples to show that He wasn’t gone forever. He came back – just like He said He would. Picture this: the Messiah, the Savior of the world, comes back from the dead and you miss it. Your buddies get to see it, but you get left out. That’s what happened with Thomas.
When the disciples told Thomas about seeing Jesus, he didn’t believe them. He had to see and experience it for himself. He wanted to see Jesus and feel his scars. Even though he doubted it happened, his request was met.
Jesus showed up.
Thomas doubted, but Jesus still showed up because it’s who He is. He’s a God that will show up in the midst of our trials to remind us. He will remind us that He will never leave us nor forsake us, that He will provide according to His riches and glory, and my personal favorite, that He is faithful even when we are faithless.
Now I can’t tell you why some mission trips worked out and some didn’t. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to go or maybe I just didn’t work hard enough to raise the money. I don’t know. What I do know is that even in my doubts, God will show up. When I remember South Africa and Panama, when my natural thinking gets the better of me, I know God will prove me wrong. And I couldn’t be more excited. And that’s big because I don’t like to be wrong. (I know, I know. I’m working on it.)
So if you are doubtful about something, just remember that God is who He says He is. Just keep on exploring, keep on searching and you will find that God is bigger than your doubts.
If you feel led to support me financially to help reach my next goal of $3,900 by September 25th, you can click “Support Me” on the left hand side of the screen (if you’re on your phone, click the icon in the top left corner first) and choose to be a one-time donor or a monthly supporter. Your support is immensely appreciated!
