I’m currently sitting at an airport, traveling for work. While some people think I’m crazy, I absolutely love airports. There’s the excitement of exploring something new and unknown. And I always have the urge to spontaneously run to a gate and take off to a completely random destination. London? Amsterdam? Sao Paulo? Yes, pleeeease.
The moment I decided to apply for the World Race was not very different from this scenario. I was on an airplane a few months ago with so many thoughts, questions, and doubts in my mind.
- $16,000 is a LOT of money to raise–what if I can’t do it? I was adamant about leaving my fundraising days back in college.
- Can I really last that long surrounded by less than desirable animals, no toilets, and extreme heat?
- I didn’t grow up with a relationship with God and teaching is one of my weaknesses–am I knowledgeable and comfortable enough to share the Gospel with others? Isn’t that just plain awkward?
- What if I get really hurt or die?
- What will I do with no job and no place to live when I come back?
- Why not raise $16,000 and give that money away? What will be different when I’m done with the Race? Is this worth it?
As the plane was about to take off, I remember peering out from my window seat and feeling a weight lifted. If only for a brief moment, I felt as if God was giving me a sign. I felt a peace of simply being with Him and no other worries. And while the signs had been there for weeks on end, I finally found the words I couldn’t say to myself earlier–I’m doing this.
Sure, there are so many questions out there, but I realized that it could all be answered with one. Do I truly trust in God? If this is what He really wants me to do, He WILL provide. It’s the message we carry in our pockets and wallets all the time but might overlook. In God We Trust. While I can say those words all day, I had not fully experienced that trust and weight off my shoulders until that very moment on the plane.
Now let’s be real here. I do still have anxiety (and excitement and a million other emotions) about it all. However, I’m continuously trying to remind myself that God is with me, and He is great and can take those worries away if I allow Him to.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
*BTW I do have many thoughts on those questions above and will try to address in later posts 🙂
