It always amazes me how God designs our lives so intricately. This time two years ago I did not see myself preparing to go on the World Race, let alone did I know about it. At that time I was going through some things that would prompt me to either make a significant change in my life or remain stagnant and not myself. I felt like moving to San Diego would be my first step in taking charge of my life; taking myself out of the familiar and comfortable, and into a new horizon.
Each time I took a leap of faith I was joyfully reassured that it had worked out. That feeling of knowing I had made the right decision, followed my heart and God’s plan made the journey so worth it. I moved to San Diego with no real plan other than some money saved up and a place to stay. My faith had been restored and I knew for the first time in a long time, I was living purposefully; I was living for something.
Two weeks into living in San Diego I had found a part time waitressing job that barely paid for the gas it took to get there.I had burned through a majority of my savings already, and my car got towed out of my apartment complex where I was staying and I had to pay to get it out of the impound lot.
I was defeated. I thought, Why am I here? I can’t even make it two weeks! I began questioning my entire reasoning for moving down here and asking God why? Well when you ask, he answers. That very next day, I came out to my car and found a twenty dollar bill on the ground. God filled my gas tank! The next day or so I received a very unexpected phone call from a craigslist ad I had responded to a few months before moving with no real intention. Two weeks later I had a full time job and God had provided every step of the way, I just had to keep going.
It was at this job I met a vibrant, joyful girl who also had an anchor tattoo; which then led to a conversation over this tattoo. She told me how she decided to get her first tattoo after the most amazing trip she had just returned from- The World Race. After hearing of some of her adventures, getting to help those in need all over the world, and experience God in a way where you are fully submersed in his work. I could not stop thinking about this adventure in missions (pun intended). I began thinking of myself as a kid again and so badly wanting to travel to different cultures, meet people of all different backgrounds, and help make a difference, but I wasn’t sure how.
I knew this was God’s calling for me. I had to choose a route and apply as soon as I could. Confirmation after confirmation occurred after I decided to follow the next step in God’s plan for me.
I had friends from church, random strangers, people I had barely known tell me, “You are a light to the nations.” In fact I had gotten a lighthouse tattoo three years ago, for another great reason, and after applying for the World Race I realized just how prophetic it was.
At times where the process seems too big a feat, or near impossible, I am pleasantly reminded by the times where I also felt what I was trying to accomplish seemed too big for me. But how every time we are called to do something outlandish, not reasonable, out of this world with risks God shows up. Because God is bigger than this world. If he wants you to do something, and you wholeheartedly obey and follow the desires he has put in your heart, he will provide. So today, as I woke up feeling the weight of my task, I now feel blessed,reassured, and at peace knowing that He is working and I am trusting the process.
