When I signed up for the world race in late 2013 I immediately began planning how I was going to raise so much money. I entertained thoughts of working harder than anyone else, planning the best fundraisers and being the first to raise the entire amount. I wanted to be fully funded before the race even began, and it was a good plan.
Donations began to trickle in and by the start of our first major fundraiser we were well on our way to our first deadline of $7,000. We breezed past it a few weeks later and headed off to training camp. Then our launch date approached, along with our second deadline and the floodgates closed. We were less than halfway to our second goal.
That week was the most agonizing week of my life. I racked my brain on a daily basis for something else I could do, something else I could pray, another scripture to read, someone else to talk to about donating. All the Lord said during this time was “Rest.”
“What?? Rest at a time like this? I understand you’re in control and all, God, and its in your hands, not mine, blah blah, but I just cant do that.”
But He continued to challenge me. On top of that, all my humanly efforts were failing and I had run out of options.
The day before the deadline closed, I finally rested. Completely. I laughed, I felt at peace. I enjoyed the process of visiting Churches and speaking about our calling to do the World Race, but I had finally put my trust in the Lord for the outcome. What ever He decided to do, it was in His hands. And then He did it.
That night came the exact amount we needed to make the deadline – and from a source we did not expect.
We cried that night; tears of shock, tears of joy. We rejoiced with those who were praying for us, and it seemed that we could never again doubt God’s provision or His goodness.
Less than a week later we launched with our squad and began this spiritual journey called the World Race with confidence that God would meet our third and fourth deadlines in His own way.
If we were only to make it this far, it would be worth it because I have seen God move, and because of the growth I see in myself and my husband. If we were to miss our deadline and it all ended here, I wouldn’t regret one thing. But, it is not over.
I don’t know why God continually puts me in situations where my trust in Him is challenged, but He seems to have decided it will bring Him the most glory. Each time a deadline approaches, a bill comes due, our personal fund is dangerously low, each time He uproots my expectations and surprises me He takes my hand in His and gently asks, “Do you trust me?”
And if there is one thing I can say with any certainty is that I do.
I identify with Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as human beings.” – 1 Corinthians 4:9
I feel that God has put me on display; my personal and spiritual journey open like a book for all to read. This lesson of learning to hold God’s hand has been made a spectacle so that you, my readers, can learn from my experiences and God will be glorified through me. You share in my trials and victories; you taste my suffering and my joy.
So here I am, facing another deadline one week away, again needing $3,700 to meet the goal. To outside eyes it seems impossible, but I tell you that I have seen Him do it before. And I believe He will do it again.
I don’t write this to impress on you to give, or to mess with your emotions. I write this so you can feel my anxiety, my compulsion to snatch the reins and do this on my own, and the fear of public failure I feel. But more importantly, I want to feel along with me as the Lord takes my hand and asks, “Do you trust me?”
I want you to feel the joy I have when He comes through as only He, our Jehovah Jireh, can.
Pablo and Brooke Chavez need $3,700 by October 1st to stay on the race, to support them, click the “support us” link. Thank you!
