110%... clearly exceeding 100%. What’s the significance of this percentage?! It is where my funding is at for the World Race!!! God did not provide what I needed – He provided MORE than I needed. Should I be surprised? No – this is the God we serve! Everything is His and as we seek Him for our needs, He provides in His ways and in His timing. And clearly wants me to go!! My World Race journey started with me saying YES to God…..and when that happens, we experience GREAT things!
I am currently reading a book called LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (highly recommend it) and just finished a chapter entitled Just Say Yes – ‘I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.’ Bob goes on to share a story of a time he said YES to God which ultimately put him in service to the Ugandan government as a diplomat (not at all what he was expecting). He explains the craziness of how this came to be and how all the while he thought it was a practical joke from a friend. None the less, the lesson Bob learns he shares…. “I think God sometimes uses the completely inexplicable events in our lives to point us toward Him. We get to decide each time whether we will lean in toward what is unfolding and say YES or back away…to say yes, ignore it or tell God why He has the wrong person [its our choice]. (pg. 64-65)
And for me, raising $16, 500 was quite the task it seemed. But I said YES to going and YES to trusting God to work in and through people to support me so I could go. And look what I was able to experience! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me these next 11 months – as I’ve said yes to giving up my job and comforts of the states for new places, people, and cultures!
What ways can you say YES to God? What are you trusting Him for in your life? I pray this small testimony of God’s work in my life will encourage us ALL to step out in faith and say YES to the amazing things God has for us each day.
I leave you with this from Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! AMEN!
Thanks!!
Lauren
P.S. If you are still interested in supporting my World Race trip – consider supporting the WR Documentary Project (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-world-race-project–3) which will be about my squad!!
**Side story about these photos….
The week after training camp I headed out to WA for a week long rafting trip with friends. I flew out of Chicago and checked one bag….problem was that when I arrived in Spokane my luggage did not! Ha! So what did we do? We went to Goodwill, bought the clothing and supplies I needed for a week on the river and that was it! We had a great trip and saw God’s awesome creation (see below).
My luggage showed up in the van the last day of the trip as we were exiting the river. It was great having clean clothes. God continues to remind me I can live with less and He will provide for my needs!!
