I hate asking for things. I always have. I do not want to ask for directions – I want to figure it out for myself. I do not want to ask for help – I will struggle until I get it. I never want to feel like I am in debt to someone, that I owe them anything.
So you can imagine my struggle with asking people for money.
And not just a little bit of money.
$15,500.
But, without that money I go no where. So I had to grit my teeth and ask.
I wrote letters. I made phone calls. I sent messages and emails. I didn't expect much. I figured if I was that reluctant to ask, then people were going to be reluctant to give.
Boy, did God have a lesson in mind for me.
The money started trickling in and before I knew it, I had $1,000 … then 2,000…then $3,000. At this point, I have raised over a quarter of my goal.
Scratch that. GOD has raised over a quarter of my goal!
God has shown up in absolutely amazing ways in the past few months. Despite every surprise bill, unexpected expense (moving is NOT cheap), and increasing rate, God has provided for me personally and my ministry (separate accounts – no worries gracious donors!). Now, as the checks start to slow and my old friend enemy anxiety begins to creep back in, one verse has been playing nonstop in my head. I didn't read it or hear it or see it anywhere. It is just the answer to the prayer my heart and mind have been unconsciously focused on.
"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
-Matthew 7:7-8
So here I am, asking (no matter how much my broken, human personality is detesting it). Asking first that God be in complete control of my fundraising. I will not be able to raise the rest of this money, but HE will. Secondly, I ask that you ask for me. Please pray for my fundraising efforts and that God will provide. And pray for my faith and perseverance, as I continue to seek for ways to bring in the money and knock on every door I find (suggestions are MORE than welcome). And thirdly, the part that humbles me the most, I ask that you consider supporting my ministry. God has shown me that He is willing to work through others in amazing ways, blessing the giver, the givee, and ultimately, many more in His kingdom. The "Support Me" link is on the left, if you feel God telling you to click it.
Thank you for your time and your prayers, wonderful readers. And I hope that God blesses you in the amazing, numerous, and surprising ways He has been blessing me.
