We were in Uganda doing door-to-door evangelism. We stopped at a house and began to talk to a woman through our translator. After a few minutes of conversation between the woman and the translator, I looked behind us and noticed some children. They were hiding behind one another trying to get a look at the muzungus (“white people”). They were giggling and smiling at us, but when I turned around to face them, they scattered. After a few seconds, they came back giggling and laughing, but kept their distance. This time, I took a step toward them. Again, they scattered. When they returned this time, a few of them got brave enough to run up and touch the muzungu before retreating again. Then, I held my hands up for high-fives and multiple kids came running. They’d give me a high five and then retreat as to make sure I wasn’t going to bite them. Finally, a few of the kids trusted me enough to reach out and grab my hands. Before I knew it, I had four or five children on either side, hanging on for dear life. For the rest of the day, they followed me around, never letting go of my hand. They walked me most of the way home and from then on, every time we passed through that village, the same group of about ten children would come running up to me, eager to play and walk with me.
From the beginning, all I wanted was for them to trust me so I could show them love. I was never frustrated with the kids who took a bit longer to trust me, but with every step of trust a child took toward me, I felt pure joy.
As I was telling this story to a squad mate, I realized that this is how God is with us. He has been waiting since the beginning for me to trust Him. He waits patiently with His hand outstretched. He does not become impatient with me when I am hesitant, but He feels pure joy with each step of trust I take toward Him.
Going on the World Race was a giant leap of faith for me, but every day on the Race, I have to choose to continue to walk in trust. I reached out and grabbed His hand, but it is still easy for me to retreat. Every morning when I wake up, I have to decide to hold His hand and to walk step-by-step where He is leading me. I have to trust that He will provide the funds needed to continue this journey. I have to trust that He will protect me when I am ministering to a group of 35 people who are all drunk or high and grabbing at my backpack. I have to trust that He goes before me, is here with me, and will stay with these people after I leave. I have to trust that He loves me and works all things together for my good.
What is the Lord calling you to trust Him in? Maybe it’s your finances. Maybe it’s just reaching out and trusting Him for the first time. Maybe it’s a relationship with a family member or co-worker. Whatever it is, I can promise you that He feels pure joy with every step of trust you take with Him.
I am in month two of this crazy, incredible eleven-month journey. The Lord is teaching me so much. I have $4,260 yet to raise. Would you partner with me in bringing His Kingdom come? Every donation counts and is tax deductible. I am nearly 74% funded. That is stinkin’ incredible. Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Together, we are doing awesome things for God’s Kingdom.
