I had the privilege of having a table these past two weekends advertising the World Race Gap Year at my home church, Timberline, where I also got to bring up support for myself! While hosting this table I got to talk to many individuals about the World Race Gap Year and about myself and why I decided to follow God’s calling to “Go” for nine months across the globe.
Many people come up to my table and gave their support and encouragement on my journey to go and serve the Lord. I was blessed to have the opportunity to talk to many people and to give them my information. Many bought bracelets as well as a reminder to pray for me while I’m gone and also to just support me financially as well. I cannot express how grateful I am for my Timberline family. I also met four people who have previously gone on the world race! One of these past world racers, Emily, really stood out to me. Emily came to me with such openness, encouragement, and love. Curiosity filled me about her experiences on the race so I asked her all about her missions and what her best advice would be for me while on the field and for fundraising. After I asked her about fundraising, she told me about the time God impacted her life that really stood out to me and that I will take with me on this journey of serving the Lord. Emily told me that while she was fundraising for her World Race, she asked God how she would be able to raise enough money to travel the world while spreading the truth of God. As she asked this, God told her:
“Not by might, Not by power, But by my spirit.”
This really resonated in me and made me realize the power of what Emily had just said. I have been so consumed in praying and of asking God, “How am I going to raise $16,600 before I leave for the race?” And as Emily stated, “God has been telling me that it is not by might or power, but by his spirit” I realized that this was very true for myself as well. God has been telling me to stop and to let him take the wheel. God moves mountains, and he has been moving my mountains in my life for years now. I’ve had to let go of my controlling attitude and really just let Jesus take the wheel. It’s been made clear through Emily that God will prevail. I’m thankful for meeting Emily and for her praying over me. In those minutes she was praying over me I realized that I too can “Go” and trust in God’s spirit, just like Emily did while she was on the World Race. I’ve realized that I cannot focus on the money but instead focus on the mission and the spirit of God.
It’s been an amazing experience to tell the people of Timberline more about myself and why I have decided to take this bold leap of faith. These past two weekends will be a memory that I will carry with me forever. I’ve been inspired by previous World Racers and by the community of Timberline. I’ve inspired a few girls to think about joining the world race as well. To make disciples of all nations is the ultimate goal of the World Race, and I’ve gotten the amazing opportunity to inspire others to join along this journey as well.
Lastly, I just want to repeat the words of the fellow World Racer, Emily:
“Not by might, Not by power, But by My Spirit”
Whenever you are going through a tough time just remember these words. Let God’s spirit fill you, sit back and let him take the wheel. I know I will remember to think of these words whenever I’m lost with what I should do next. God’s love is almighty and truly powerful…
