Hey y’all!
A little over a month ago I took a huge leap of faith and applied for the World Race. Fast forward a week later, I had my phone interview, and then the NEXT day they called me back and said they would absolutely love for me to join the team!! WOW. I was in absolute awe of God’s goodness and I still am after a month of preparing for this crazy awesome journey!
I have seen the Lord’s hand throughout this past month, and it has been so encouraging. He is so FAITHFUL! To be honest, I was a little nervous to come out in public about my trip. I mean don’t get me wrong, I am SO pumped and I have total peace about what the Lord has placed upon my heart, but I was worried about what others were going to think. You see, its not common to take a year off after graduating college, when everyone around you are getting high paying jobs. But I was reminded of a lesson I learned back in my spring semester of freshman year at Liberty University. I was sitting in Evangelism 101 and the Professor was talking about stepping out of your boat, unto the waters, surrendering and trusting Jesus with all that you got. From that moment on, I knew that I needed to step out of my boat, whatever that was, my comfort zone or my own plans for my life, and surrender to the great plans that God had for my life! Since then, I have felt a tug on my heart to serve the Lord overseas by sharing His great name and love for every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Now to change the subject;)
This past week, has been one of the craziest weeks of my life! Crazy as in crazy good! First of all, He answered my prayer about opening up an opportunity for me to serve Him overseas. (PRAISE)! Then about a week ago, there was an Evangelist who came and spoke at my church for the weekend. Little did he know that I was really struggling that weekend with fear and worries about my safety on trip, and fundraising; but God knew, and that was ENOUGH. Because HE is ENOUGH. God used the Evangelist to speak into my life and encourage me when I needed it the most. The Evangelist spoke a message about the Holy Spirit and how God will give His Holy Spirit to us like a dove, to speak and work through us in mighty ways for His glory and honor. Then, when I least expect it, the Pastor calls me out in the middle of the message saying that God will speak through and use me in awesome ways while I am on my trip. WOAH. Like okay God, I get the message now. He was allllll over this and continued to give me more confirmation. At the end of the service he prayed over me and God spoke through the Pastor to reassure me that God will “carry me” through the whole process, that I have nothing to fear because He is going before me preparing the way and that I don’t need to worry because He will provide the funds for the trip. God knew what I needed and knew just what to say to use the Pastor to encourage me. Guys, the Lord is so good! He knows your hearts desire, and wants to lavish His goodness and mercy upon His children.
Oh but wait…there is more!!!
On Wednesday, after my trip to REI to look for my supplies for the trip. I felt urged to check my blog and balance for the trip. I went on and saw that someone donated 5,000 dollars!!! I was absolutely shocked and still am every morning when I wake up haha! He just continually shows me His goodness and love. I am blown away by everyone’s support, kind words, prayers, and donations. Thank you everyone!!!
You are loved,
Hannah Gustafson
