“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:
a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
I think we have a tendency to get in our own way. We allow our fears, uncertainties, past failures, or maybe even our family and friends to have this power over our lives that they were never meant to have. We allow our decisions to be made based on one or all of these things.
What are we giving up in the process?
When I began opening up to people about my desire to go on the World Race, there were mixed reviews. Some were excited and enthusiastic about my decision, saying “That’s perfect for you.” “You will do really well with this.” “I believe you are called to missions, so this makes sense.”
But there were others that said, “I don’t think you can raise $16,000.” “But what about a job when you come back?” “There will be bugs, sickness, and unimpressive living circumstances – doesn’t that freak you out?”
At first, I allowed their doubt to sink in and deter me from committing. I had these deep, dark doubts for a week after I was accepted for World Race and couldn’t understand why I was constantly feeling anxious about the decision.
I WAS ANXIOUS BECAUSE I KNEW THE ANSWER ALREADY. I RECEIVED IT FROM GOD MONTHS AGO.
I felt that God told me months ago to commit to World Race. I allowed my fears and self-doubt to dictate my future.
There is a time to be silent. But there is a time to speak.
I’ve been silently allowing my fears to get the best of me. But now I’m going to speak up because I don’t think I’m the only one in this boat. I want to encourage you to step out, without fear. Don’t be blind to reality, but don’t let uncertainty keep you from doing something that you were made to do.
If that means quitting your job and following a dream, WHY NOT? I’m not guaranteeing success, but you’ll live a more fulfilled life when you’re actually allowing yourself to live it.
Have faith.
