Why in the world have I decided to stop my life just to help some people that I’ve never met know a God whom they have never heard of?
It’s simple, really. As Christians we have the great commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). God commands us to spread the gospel throughout the entire world. But, how? The world is big and dangerous and scary, not to mention expensive. How am I, a twenty year old female from Southern California, supposed to reach the rest of the world with the gospel? I don’t have money; I mean, I still live at home!!! But how can I not? How can I call myself a Christian and yet decide to ignore Christ’s last commandment to the disciples?
Doubts and Fear and Excuses.
Doubts that no matter how incapable I feel, God will prepare me. Fear that not only would I not be good enough, but that people would look at me as their example and I would only cause them to stumble and miss the blessing of Christ while walking through life. And worst of all the excuses: “I don’t have the time (or money or experience or support)” “I don’t want to miss anything back home” and the worst “I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.” I am a person who, while growing up in Southern California, has grown EXTREMLY comfortable. Who wouldn’t love the beach 10 minutes one way, 15 minutes to Disneyland, the mountains are 1 hour inland, and LA/Hollywood is only 20 miles away (notice miles instead of minutes because traffic can dictate whether its 15 minutes or 2 hours). On top of this add parents who love each other and made sure to take care of my sister and I, as well as extend family (biological and faith-based) who supports my every goal, no matter how crazy! Who wouldn’t grow comfortable?
But God didn’t call us to be comfortable (OUCH!!). He didn’t say “My daughter, I will give you treasures untold if you love only those who are easy and love you.” But instead He calls us to love the poor, orphaned, widowed, crippled, idol worshippers, and enemies. But not just to love them; but, to make ourselves vulnerable and share something that He guaranteed would get us ridiculed: Our Faith.
While on a missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico, the speaker who addressed our group pointed out a painful truth: We are comfortable with people asking where we are going, but as soon as they start probing into the why, we are automatically ashamed and defensive. But why? If we are willing to drop our lives and participate in missions, why should we be ashamed when people ask one simple question?
So when people starting asking why I am going on the World Race, my answer should be as simple as it was said by Jesus: Because I am commanded to.
