My response to this question has changed drastically since first being asked a year ago. What started out as a shaky, unsure, (and frankly pathetic) answer of, “well… because it’s this great program and well… I’ve always wanted to do this sort of thing and well… It seems like I stumbled on it for a reason… I think…” has evolved into a strong, edified, passionate response. As my knowledge of and love for this program has grown, I’ve been more and more excited for people to ask me, “Why the World Race?” To which I am giddy down to my toes to reply,
“Because God has called me!!!”
Which is usually followed by a slight slump in my spirit when people don’t immediately start crying tears of joy and fervently nodding along in complete acknowledgment of my (probably very inconclusive) response. Possibly because you want to know why I chose a program that is 11 months, requires support of over $16,000, that travels to different locations, that requires so much sacrifice. My answer doesn’t really address any of the questions that crave an answer in the matters of money, safety, timing, legitimacy, packing, etc. etc.
I suppose it’s unfair and maybe even selfish to think that any explanation would be enough to communicate my calling. It is mine after all and it looks different than the calling God has given everyone else. In the same way that I cannot relate to the way people are called to prison ministry or to foster care or to plant a church in the middle of the inner city… my calling seems foreign and odd and doesn’t look like theirs either. But this disconnect, this grey area, this hesitation to recognize how God moves in different ways for different people, THIS is what makes my heart beat wild and crazy when I think about this opportunity I’ve been given.
By going out into the nations to fulfill this calling, by sacrificing possessions and comfort for 11 months… I am given the incredible gift of showing what happens when we dare to follow our calling. To trust that it is from, and therefore supported by, God. I can be an example of what Jesus can do even through a girl from Michigan with no mission background, no ministry training, no second language or any backpacking experience. I can be an example that trusting HIS promises and listening to HIS words, are the only prerequisites to living a life of surrender.
I didn’t earn this opportunity. There wasn’t a paper to write, a physical to pass or a quiz to ace. (Thank goodness.) I didn’t buy my way in, network for connections or even prepare in any great way. All I did was tell God that I would follow Him. That I would trust Him. That I would do whatever it is that He calls me to do.
I made myself available. And after what I imagine was a huge sigh of relief on His end, I can practically hear God say, “Finally. I was wondering when you’d start to do things my way.”
So as this new season of fundraising, gear shopping, relentless praying and preparation is upon me… When you see me in church, at the mall, Starbucks or even running along the street at 6:00am, please, PLEASE stop me and ask me, “Why the World Race?” I cannot wait to tell you about this adventure God is taking me on! I cannot wait to tell you all about what it means to me and what it can mean for you! And while I can’t promise an inspiring answer that will wash away all of your doubts or indulge all of your curiosities, I can promise that my answer will be honest, real and ridiculously joyful…
“Because God has called me. Because I want to serve Him. Because I want to do what He has asked. Because I want Him to be proud of me. Because I trust His plan for these 11 months, for my whole life. Because He knew, even before I was born, that I would do this.
Because I want to do something that Jesus would’ve done.
Because I love Him.”
…and then stick around because I’ll want to tell you a whole lot more 🙂
