It was not long ago I would have laughed at anyone telling me I would be called into the mission field. Not because I didn’t love Jesus, or because I wasn’t following Him, but because I didn’t believe He could actually use me. I am shy and quiet. I stay away from large crowds, and I hate public speaking. How could God use me? God only uses outgoing people who always have the right words, right? He only uses people who have life figured out and always know what to say; the people with the answers. At least that is what I told myself.
Over the past few years the Lord has changed my heart, and reminded me of His love for me. God created me, He made me the way I am for a reason. He will build me up, and give me what I need to be bold and fulfill His perfect plan for my life. He will use my quiet, shy, relaxed self for His kingdom. My mission field might be in a classroom, on the ball field, or in a third world country, but God will use me; I just have to let Him.
So why the World Race?
To be completely honest, I struggled with this for a long time. I first heard about the World Race a few years ago. At the time I thought it sounded great, but still had school to finish, and the timing just wasn’t right. A year ago I really started thinking about it, but something was holding me back. It wasn’t fear; it was my deep DESIRE to go. I WANT to go. I WANT to live out of a pack for 11 months, see new places, meet new people, and most importantly, share the love of Jesus! I want to see God changing people’s lives around the world, I want to be used to further His kingdom, and I want to be changed.
Why did I wait so long? Rather than recognizing the call of the Lord, I let the enemy creep into my mind. If I am being called to the mission field, should it sound so exciting? Why do I want to go so bad? Do I want this for me, or for God? Is this my plan, or His? I waited for God to give me some crazy sign to GO. I prayed and I waited, but it never came. I convinced myself God had some other plan He was waiting to reveal, and I let the World Race become a far off dream.
Eventually I couldn’t ignore the nagging thoughts about the World Race. I saw pictures, read blogs, checked out the new routes, and prayed some more. After spending my summer traveling, my desire to join the World Race grew deeper and deeper. It wasn’t the places I visited, or the things I saw, but the people I encountered who impacted me the most. After hearing stories and praying with people throughout my travels, I knew I wanted to do something more. Although I never got the crazy sign I was looking for, the World Race never left my mind and I finally applied. God doesn’t always reveal His plans the same way for each person; for me He simply opened a door and hasn’t closed it.
