“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ——Matthew 28:19-20——
The Great Commission. A calling to GO. A command to all Christians to put their faith into ACTION.
Do you ever feel encouraged by a verse but fearful to live it? Living a comfortable Christian life? Not stepping out into action with faithful obedience?
For the past six months, God has been planting this on my heart. It would continually come up: at a church sermon, my daily devotional, my life group study, and even casual conversations with my best friend. The end of the Gospel of Matthew has always made me excited and inspired, thinking, “YES! Let’s go out and share the good news that saves!” But the motivation I felt was always overshadowed with fear, uncertainty, and (to be honest) blatant disobedience. I loved hearing the inspiring words of Jesus but didn’t want to change the plans I had for my life to live them.
Through certain circumstances, my heart began to change once I graduated college (earlier than expected) and moved back home. I had no plans for the future and no idea what the next step was. This is when I first began to feel the Holy Spirit working in my heart telling me to “go”. Go where? I had no idea… When?? No clue… I was moved back into my parent’s house, with no job, and no clue of what I wanted to do in life. So I did what I always do when I need answers, I Googled it. (Not the most brilliant idea, HA!) I tried so many searches: the best travel jobs, how to travel and make money, qualifications to join Peace Corp, cruise ship jobs, how to become a flight attendant. As you can see, I had no clue of what I wanted to do in life, and none of my searches were coming back with promising answers. Nothing was coming together, so I turned off my computer and bowed my head and prayed. (This would have been a better place to start, but there is GRACE).
I prayed for clarity, for the Lord to reveal His path to me. I prayed for blind faith, to put my trust in Jesus 100%. I prayed for patience to wait on the Lord to move, and a peaceful heart to have joy while waiting. I prayed for meaningful purpose for my life. I prayed that I would have courage to give myself up to the Lord, for Him to use me, and the skills He has blessed me with, for His Kingdom. I praised Him for His kindness and grace, for being patient with my stubborn heart and for ALWAYS catching me in His loving arms when I fall. AMEN!
This moment of prayer with the Lord renewed my spirit. I felt at peace, knowing the Lord will guide me on the righteous path. There was also conviction with this prayer. I knew I had been selfish; I was seeking to find a path that fit MY plans, not the Lord’s.
So with a renewed mind, heart, and spirit, I went back to my computer. I honestly don’t remember what I searched, but one of the first pages I pulled with was the about the World Race. Eleven countries in eleven months. Ministering to people all over the world. Serving the Lord, and growing closer to Him. Ok, what’s the catch?? As I researched more about this year-long mission trip, I knew this is where God was leading me. He was calling me to take a leap of faith, to get out of my comfort zone, and to “GO!”
Matthew 28:19-20 came to mind. The verse that had been planted in my heart was beginning to bloom. “Go and make disciples in all nations.” Ok, God, I understand this is where you are guiding, but I am not strong enough, or wise enough, or financially stable enough to do this… “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Peace. Clarity. Courage. This is what I felt. It is not in my own power to follow this command, but God’s. GOD IS WITH YOU ALWAYS. He provides wherever He guides. All He asks for in return is a simple ACT of FAITH.
So long story short: I applied, I got accepted, and now I am preparing for the adventure of a lifetime! Putting my faith into action does not wait until I am overseas; it begins now and is a daily commitment. I am currently working at an orthopedic center, serving the Lord daily by helping patient’s receive treatment for injuries. I am continually praying for patience in this season of waiting and preparation. I still have doubts in this journey and worries about the preparation: travel documents, packing equipment, FUNDRAISING; but, I turn to Jesus with my reservations and fears and He comforts me and give me strength to continue on His path.
I praise God for his revelation and His timing. He is good ALWAYS! I am so excited to see God work in me and through me. I pray that you will join me on this journey, by following my blog, praying for the people embarking on this journey and the people we will encounter, or by contributing financially. I cannot wait to continue to share my story and the story of those I meet.
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Blessings to all y’all!
