Jen and I have been on the World Race for almost 5 months now, but we've been on the journey for well over a year and a half. We signed up for this thing knowing that it was going to be difficult, especially in the area of raising funds. We have worked hard, prayed hard and fought hard to get to the field and after a few setbacks, we finally launched in September with L Squad. We know that this is the squad that we were supposed to be on and we are sooooo honored to be on it!
We are incredibly thankful for this opportunity to do the things that we've been able to do and see the things we've been able to see and growing in the ways we've been able to grow. And we sincerely hope and pray that we will be able to continue to see and do and grow with our squad and team mates.
We realized last month, however, that we had been putting our desire to be on the Race above our realationship with God and above what He wants for us. (Ironic isn't it? Yes, you can still lose focus of what is really important, even in the midst of serving God.) So after much difficult discussion, and a miracle from the Holy Spirit, we surrendured to God. Truly surrendered. We did not do this on our own, but God changed our hearts from within, that we are ok with whatever God wants for us. If He wants us to stay on the Race, He will provide the funds we need because He knows that we need them in order to continue serving Him on the Race. If He wants us to go home, however, no amount of fundraisers or pleading with people for money is going to be able to bring in the support that we need.
God owns it all and we realize that His will is best for us. If He is calling us back home, then there is a really good reason for it. The real question is "Do we really trust that He knows what is best, or do we still think we do?"
We also know that God grants the desires of our hearts, so we are still asking Him to allow us to stay on the Race and to provide the money that we need to be able to stay. If He says "Yes" then He will provide and Glory be to His Name! If He says "No" then we will go home and who but God knows what will happen when we get there? But regardless, it is good and Glory be to His Name!
I am thankful that God has given us the peace that He has given us about what is to come, because most of the time, I really don't like uncertainties. But I am finally coming to the realization that God takes good care of His children and loves them and wants what is best for them. As for now, I plan on making the most of the time that we have on the Race, whether it is only a couple more weeks or several more months. Either way, I will be content, and trust me, that was not an easy place for me to be. I have discovered that there is freedom in total surrender!
This is not us giving up or quitting. We have just surrendered to God's will. We are still going to try and hold another Facebook fundraiser for my birthday at the end of the month. $28 on January 28th. We need $5500 to meet the December 1st deadline that AIM has so graciously extended for us twice. But then the March 1st deadline is when we need to be fully funded by and will need a total of $14,500 more by then. So pray for us for discernment, contentment and even for the miraculous provision of Jehovah Jireh, the Great Provider!
