Journeys…adventures…lessons…instruction…this is life…I so desire to really live…to embrace fully all the Lord desires to teach me…to go everywhere He calls me…to be all that He has made me to be…and most of all to love as He loves. This eleven month adventure He asked me on I knew was part of the journey He had for me…the lessons and the instruction to come I couldn’t even begin to fathom the depth of their impact. One lesson the Lord had planned for this year was taught in a really unexpected way, the lesson of His provision.
Let’s roll the clock back to where this all started. In January of 2014, I was accepted to the World Race July 2014, I knew that I would not be able to earn the funds needed in under 6 months. So, I started looking at fundraising ideas and picking people’s brains for their best fundraisers. When one day the Lord told me very clearly that I was not to fundraise, and I was not to ask for a single dime. The Lord was up to something just what, I was not sure; I would latter realize He had signed me up for “God’s Provision 101”. He has done more than just teach me; He has shown me first hand and blown my mind as I have glimpsed His greatness. In less than a year the Lord has provided over $15,000 through people and in ways I never expected or dreamed. The dear people that the Lord has worked through to make this journey possible have been strangers, acquaintances, dear friends, family, bosses old and current, my church, my exercise instructor, customers, family members of friends, friends from long ago, and still others that have chosen to remain nameless. People have generously given not only money, but have also committed to pray for me, blessed me with letters for each month, or lent me a tent. Still others have given me things to make the practical part of this journey easier: a sleeping pad, a camera, essential oils and vitamins (yes, I am a health food nut :), a sleeping bag, spending money (for fun only :), a pink camo hat, charging sticks, a bag scale, a rain jacket, 2-8oz Reese peanut butter cups, a head lamp, the list goes on and on. Yet even with all the Lord had already done for me as January 1st, the final financial deadline of this adventure, loomed there were a few times I almost took things into my own hands. I considered putting the last $2,234 on my credit card; I even thought of asking my church for help as they had told me to let them know if I needed anything. However, the Lord kept telling me that He had it covered. Then He showed me, on New Year’s Eve I received an anonymous donation of exactly $2,234. In that moment of complete awe the Lord quietly whispered to my soul, “See, I’ve gotcha.” I remember how He came through for me at my second deadline; I was $2,500 shy of the deadline with 4 days to spare. I fought to believe my Lord rather than my circumstances. Fought against doubt, and wondering if I should stop hoping so I wouldn’t have to face disappointment if the money didn’t come through. That day some dear friends asked me to swing by their place. When I got there, they handed me a check for $2,500 and told me it was from the Lord.
So, I can’t help but testify that He will never leave you and never forsake you. “…I have all, and abound: I am full. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 4:18b-20
Just sayin’, He is more than enough and always will be.
Bethany
