I live in America. I live in the wealthiest country in the world. I never have to worry about where my next meal is coming from. I never have to worry about whether I will have clean clothes to wear tomorrow. I can refill my water bottle whenever I would like. I can have my lamp, bedroom light, and candle warmer all on at the same time. I have access to internet and TV whenever I’d like to take advantage of it. Among other things, living in America comes with its advantages. However, one thing I have been thinking about lately is the fact that because I live in America, I technically do not have to trust God for anything. As Seth Barnes says in Kingdom Journeys,
“Usually, without really having to trust Him for my “daily bread,” it still ends up on the table. Thus, I too easily default to a position of self-sufficiency. Without fresh evidence of His provision, my faith begins to weaken — I’m not as sure about His trustworthiness as I once was. ‘Will He show up that way again?’ I ask myself. Spiritual entropy begins to set in. So what do I do? I force myself into situations that require trust in God.”
In a country so blessed, we lack the dependence on God we should have. This world one day, we will leave behind and all of the “things” we have will no longer matter. But our relationship with God, our trust in the one who created us from the dust of the ground, He is what will matter. That trust and relationship will be what matters.
I went through a season recently, where I was scared and worried about everything. I worried about my brother a lot. I worried about my parents, and was fearful that something bad could happen to someone in my family. I worried about money. I worried about the World Race and the “what if I don’t make enough money” or “what will people think of my decision to do this?” I worried about school. I worried about everything. It resulted in a lot of sleepless nights full of anxiety and stress. Finally I was in Florida with my dad on a business trip, when God reminded me of a time last year when I was hurting and didn’t know what to do next. He very clearly whispered in my ear, “trust”. It is an amazing reminder that God is with us. He wants us to depend on Him and trust that He is going to take care of things. But living in America it is normal for us to want to control things, and to be self-sufficient because that is what adults do in our society. “No one is going to take care of you but you.” That is not true. God is alive and stronger than that. In our weakness He is strong, and we should remember to let go, surrender our fears and trials, and trust Him.
We see broken places such as India, or South Africa and we think to ourselves how badly they need help, and how badly they need God’s help through their suffering. They most certainly do. I wouldn’t be going on the World Race if I didn’t believe wholeheartedly I would be helping God’s people. But I also think that those Christians in those areas of the world have a better idea of who God is than I do. Having the luxury of living in America may have it’s perks. But the fact that these people have nothing and still rely on, and love Jesus more than anything in the world, that is luxury in the eyes of the Lord. That is what this life is about. Knowing Jesus, and depending on Him for all of our needs.
The World Race is going to be an amazing adventure where I am going to be able to help change the lives of others by bringing the Word of God to their neck of the woods. But I have a feeling God is going to show me really quickly that those people are going to be changing my life more than I will be changing theirs. Living out of a backpack is going to be a huge adjustment from what I am used to. But I am so incredibly excited to abandon all of my “stuff” and allow God to challenge me and remind me that I don’t need it. All I will need at the end of the day is my necessities in my pack, my community of beautiful brothers and sisters, and a whole lot of Jesus.
A special thank you to those who have been praying and to those who have given financially to support me on the Race. I cannot explain my thankfulness. I could not do any of this without you.
If you would like to financially support this journey of mine please feel free to make a one-time donation or a monthly donation. Some feel they just need to pay a lump sum all at once. Monthly donations are warmly welcomed as well. Especially so that you do not have to pay all at once if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. All donations are truly appreciated, whether it is $1, $8, $15, $50, $100, it is all helpful and all generous. If you’d like to donate press the “support me” button on my page or feel free to mail in a check to Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30301
If you are writing a check please include “Keeley Knie World Race” in the memo.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave your nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
