When God told me to go on the World Race: Gap Year, I was all at once excited and terrified. I really can’t explain either emotion, for they are both more complex than just a simple “excited for the adventure but terrified about the time away from home”. Now, a little more than a month after I committed to the Race, I am only excited. I’m sure the terror will rise again as I say my goodbyes and prepare to leave, but for now I get to count down the days and just be excited.
One of the things that surprised me most about my excitement was what I was getting excited for. Of course, even the thought of getting to travel and proclaim the name of Jesus was overwhelmingly exciting. Many would think it as the most exciting part of the adventure, but something just as exciting came into my mind totally unexpected.
I cannot wait to be uncomfortable.
Now that’s just a weird sentence to write. Isn’t even weirder to read? Some may ask who in their right minds would want to be uncomfortable? Well, I do. I have lived my whole life comfortable and wanting for nothing. I have been extremely blessed to be born into this comfortable life in this comfortable country. I thank God every day for it. But a question that I have been asked very often over the past six years is “are you outside your comfort zone”, and my answer has always been “no, but I’m okay with that.” Needless to say, I am no longer okay with that answer.
God doesn’t call us to constantly be comfortable. I believe there is nothing wrong with living a comfortable life, but if there isn’t even one tiny aspect of your day or week that isn’t uncomfortable then you may not be living up to your full potential through God. The way I have chosen to be uncomfortable is a little bit more extreme than some, but I am so very excited for it. The idea of living out of a backpack and telling complete strangers the story of Jesus is exciting. Everything about the World Race: Gap Year will somehow mean me stepping out of my comfort zone and living uncomfortable for a while, and that is really one of the most exciting things about this journey.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
