We live in such a busy world where sometimes it is difficult to answer every text message, phone call, email, etc. On occasion when God is trying to tell us something we just have the expectation that He can wait like everyone else can because we just don’t have time in our schedule. That is exactly how I was treating my call to the missionary field this spring and He decided to throw me a very humbling curveball.
I graduated from college in May and had the expectation to start a career right after graduation in order to be “truly successful.” The month before graduation I was participating in a devotional study with a small group at my church and almost every time I talked to God I felt called to go on a mission trip. This continued for months so I said “yeah, okay, God, I’ll get to it when I have time,” much like I would respond to someone calling me and just sending them to voicemail so I could deal with it later. I began researching Christian mission trip opportunities online, expecting to do a 2 week long trip over the summer after I got settled into a new job. During that time I discovered The World Race and thought it would be cool to pursue, but never thought it could be a reality for me.
Right after graduation I got a job offer at a small local company that I thought would be great and I was quite excited that God’s plan was actually aligning with my plan for my life! However, after only a month of working there, I was laid off. I felt hurt and confused, but immediately knew that this was the opportunity God was giving me to apply for The World Race. After my plans did not work out the first time, I decided to try being obedient to the call and see what God’s idea of my next year looked like. So, I applied for the race! I was so nervous! Leaving home to backpack and minister around the world in the 10/40 window is a big deal! However, as soon as I started talking to my squad in the Facebook group chat and eventually got to meet them at training camp, I knew these people were my family and God put me exactly where I needed to be for myself and for Him.
My word of the year for 2019 was vulnerable and just through this story alone it was affirmed time and time again.
