You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. – John 15:16
It’s amazing how God orchestrates every step of our lives. I never would have imagined myself going to 11 different countries in 11 months, living out of a backpack and leaving behind the comforts of my home and my family… But God! He had bigger plans for my life and I am so excited to follow this call. You may be wondering how this came about, so I will share with you my story and how it led to this exact moment.
A couple summers ago I was sitting under the trees in my hammock just spending some time with God. In that moment of reflecting on Him and His Word I knew He was calling me to go somewhere. At the time, I didn’t know where exactly, or when, or what it would even look like. All I knew was that I felt a strong calling from the Lord that I wouldn’t always be exactly where I am now.
A few months later after coming back from a one week missions trip to Nicaragua, I knew missions was something I wanted to do more of and for longer than just a week. I began praying and giving this desire to God. I didn’t want it to just be an emotion I felt from an amazing trip I had in Nicaragua. I wanted this to be from the Lord. This was my prayer I began to pray: “Lord, if this is what you have for me, please make it clear. Let this be your will and not mine. Please deepen this desire that has been placed inside me.” As I continued to pray, God did that exact thing. He made it clear through numerous events in my life and He continued to deepen the desire.
About a year had passed, and I was still in the same place. I was working at my church as the administrative secretary. I kept seeking God day to day. My prayers were; “Lord whatever you have for me.” As I continued seeking Him, I knew it was time. I felt like I had received the okay from the Lord. I had this overwhelming sense that what I prayed for, for the last two years was now the right time. I was ready to take a leap of faith, step out of my comfort zone, and make a difference for the kingdom of God; so I began looking into different missions programs.
Along the way I came across the World Race, which is an 11 month missions trip to 11 different countries through Adventures in Missions. At first, when I realized how long it was, I said no way. I moved on, looked at a couple other programs, but God kept bringing me back to the World Race. And here I am today, writing my first Blog. God works in crazy ways, and I am so excited for this Journey He is taking me on.
I am so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to take part in the amazing work He is doing around the world, and I look forward to all He has in store, as I step out in faith, and follow Him in obedience. To God be the Glory for all that is to come!
