I finally applied for The World Race! I buckled down and completed my application. I feel at peace with the decision, but the butterflies of expectation and the unknown have already started. Traveling with a team that I don’t know well is going to present challenges, but isn’t that the fun part? Traveling to 11 different countries in 11 months sounds extremely exciting and adventurous!
As I have been studying the discipleship book with the Monday night group, I feel that it touches so much on the desire and focus of this trip and journey. I see how God is using this study to prepare my heart for this next step.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in Heaven and in earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
This scripture just centers me on the focus of the Gospel. It is Jesus’ command for his followers. My purpose in life is to go and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 4:19 Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
This verse can be broken into three parts. ‘Follow me’ is the start of the Gospel. The decision to believe in Jesus’ virgin birth, perfect life, death and resurrection is essential. Then being led daily by the Holy Spirit daily is a continuous act of following Him. ‘I will make’ indicates the heart change and transformation that Jesus completes within my heart. It is a constant and daily process. This process requires surrender and obedience. ‘Fishers of men’ is the last of the verse that shows the growth of His Kingdom. As I follow Jesus, I will be given opportunities to share the redemption and transformation He completes in me every day with others. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, and being a vessel of the Lord, I will be fishers of men (saving the lost) for His glory.
As I prepare to submit my application this week, then continue in the process of interviewing with the organization, I ask that you pray for wisdom. I want God to provide clarity and peace-that this is the direction that God desires for me to go. I want you to pray for the preparation for the journey (spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically and financially). I trust in His provision and know that He is sovereign over all the details that this journey will include. I excitedly anticipate the work that He has prepared for me and desires to complete through me.
I am humbled by the opportunity to be His vessel, but what a joy it is to
be considered worthy to carry His message throughout the world.
~Beth
This song has been my anthem for this journey that the Lord has brought me through, from my first trip to Peru on through today. What great promises in this song!
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You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail And there I find You in the mystery In ocean deep My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name And I will keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand Will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You’ve never failed and You won’t start now |
