There are a million and three reasons why I shouldn't go on the World Race.
I'll start by giving you 11…
1. I've never been out of the country…much less to 11 countries. I mean, I live in Arkansas after all.
2. I've never preached The Gospel to anyone…and I'm always shy when it comes to talking about my faith/witnessing to others.
3. I don't have $16,500 in my back pocket.
4. I have an unhealthy addiction to eyeliner.
5. I don't handle bugs very well.
6. I have an overwhelming fear of the unknown… My mind likes to play the "what-if" game a lot.
7. I like to bathe on a regular basis.
8. I struggle to pack 1 bag for a week, let alone 11 months.
9. I doubt my own abilities.
10. It's a little hard for me to open up to others…especially complete strangers.
11. I'm "comfortable" with my life at home.
…But you know what? In contrast to the reasons why I shouldn't go, is the one reason why I should…and it's one simple little command. God said, "Go."
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
God has called me, of all people. He knows my fears, my doubts, my reservations about going. But He's telling me to go anyway, and I trust that He will provide…financially, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)
And because of that…all the reasons why I shouldn’t go immediately become void…
I've never been out of the US, but now I have the opportunity to travel the world.
I haven't had much practice sharing The Gospel, but God is ready to use me and when the time comes I believe He will speak through me to reach others.
It's expensive, but I'm stepping out in faith and am already being blessed with God's financial provision.
God knows my past, present, and has already been to my future, so I can rest assured knowing that He is in control. Nothing is ever unknown to Him.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I’ll eventually learn to embrace my “natural God-given beauty” (who do I need to impress anyway?) and will survive on limited showers (when everyone stinks, no one stinks, right??).
Bugs may continue to be an issue…
I will learn to live minimally with what little I’m able to bring with me. One of the things I’m most looking forward to on this journey is simplicity and abandoning worldly possessions, although it will definitely take some adjusting.
I’m already getting to know some of my fellow racers, and I've been so blessed to meet such awesome people. These people will be my family for almost a year…and even though opening up will still take time, I trust they'll have my back. We’re all in this together, after all!
I may doubt my own abilities, but where I lack, God is more than capable. It's going to be uncomfortable, but comfortable is the last thing God wants us to be. Yes, I'm going to be forced out of my comfort zone, pushed to my limit, and faced with tough situations. But that's okay. That's how God works, and out of that chaos is going to come some beautiful things.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time…" (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
So, when people ask me, “Why the World Race?” It’s because of all the reasons why I shouldn’t…and because God said, “GO.”
