From Fear to Fulfillment: How God grew my Yes.

What a difference a year makes.

 

Exactly one year ago today, I was sitting in my car in Florida, on the phone in tears with the Director of the World Race with what seemed to be the biggest decision of my life to date. 

 

I had an incredible opportunity to say YES to the Lord and pursue a Kingdom dream, which God had placed on my heart over a year prior. 

 

But I was afraid. 

 

Afraid to sacrifice. 

 

Afraid to disappoint. 

 

Afraid to fail. 

 

Overwhelmed by the words and views of others: 

 

“This job is beneath you.”

 

“You can’t expect people to continue to support you.”

 

“It’s time to wake up and get back to the real world.”

 

But then I heard that still small voice whisper gently: 

 

“Trust me.” 

 

And so I did. 

 

I officially closed the chapter of my life in California and cleared out my things from storage. Selling what I could, packing some, and giving away the rest. 

 

I moved across the country and settled in Georgia into a house with 3 other roommates. 

 

I started my role in full time ministry at Adventures in Missions as a World Race Squad Mentor. I began the process of fundraising, while assuming leadership of a “squad” of 30 young missionaries for 2018. 

 

Looking back, it’s hard to believe it all started with a shaky and hesitant “Yes” through a puddle of tears over the phone.  

 

Now, one year later, I’m happy to reflect and report on what I’ve learned:

 

I have learned that true faith isn’t demonstrated by spouting scripture and merely proclaiming trust in the Lord, but rather taking a tangible action step out of my comfort zone, taking a risk, and believing God to be who He says He is and that He will be there to catch me. 

 

I have learned that what seems to be a sacrifice in the moment can pale in comparison to what I can gain when I let go of things I don’t really need in order to be open and free to receive something better from my Heavenly Father. 

 

I have learned that decisions I make affect those around me, but that I live for the affirmation of One. I may disappoint some people and their opinions of what is best for me, but if I’m following the Lord, seeking and trusting His guidance, He will never be disappointed. 

 

I’ve learned that failing is a part of life and of growth. If I’m paralyzed in indecision by the fear of failure, I may never know what reward or blessing could be sitting on the other side of my obedience, for me and for others. 

 

I’ve learned this “job” is not only a blessing, it has been an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with the lives of 30 young adults over the course of 11 months and 11 countries. Being invited into their journey. Teaching them, speaking encouragement over them, supporting them, learning from them and leading them always with a desire to point them back to the Lord. 

 

I have learned that being in full time ministry, discipling the next generation of world changers, is worthy of financial investment and that I have many friends and family who believe in this mission and are willing to say YES and partner with me in this effort. 

 

I have learned that the “real world” is not defined by a 9-5, well paying job that fits neatly into an American social norm of success. I’ve actually been more awake in the past 3 years, having seen the “real world” through the lens of 20 different countries and cultures (and counting), than I ever was in the first 30 years of my life. 

 

 

 

I’m overwhelmed and truly humbled by the continued love and support of so many who have given so generously and personally sacrificed to answer the call to partner with me and the ministry of Adventures in Missions. 

 

To God be the glory.

 

Thank you.