The reactions to the announcement that I’m going on the World Race were varied – they ranged from “That’s fantastic!” to “Are you freaking insane?”
But most people just wondered why? Why the World Race? Why now? Why can’t you just get a real job and send the money instead?
The answer is Jesus called me to go.
I’d love to tell you that Jesus appeared to me, draped in resplendent white robes, atop a frolicking silver unicorn and proclaimed in a deep voice, “Julie! I want you to go on the World Race! Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. You leave in July.”
Unfortunately, at least for me, it didn’t work like that. Bummer. In my case, Jesus’ calling was a bit more subtle.
Here’s the quick version of how I was called to the Race. I’ve believed in Jesus all my life, but only recently have I fallen in love with Him. As I grew older, I drifted further and further away from Jesus. I never stopped believing in Him, but I did stop living for Him. Finally one day, I got this e-mail from Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Connection that spoke straight to my heart. I was frustrated because my life wasn’t going as I had planned and this was a wake-up call.
Life is not about my plans I had for myself. It’s about the plans God has for me. And he has something AMAZING planned, so I need to shut up, listen, and follow His directions.
So on that day I decided that I was going to renew my relationship with Jesus. Bada-bing, bada-boom. Things started happening for me. I got a new job and moved to China. I went from being kind of sad to insanely happy. It’s a bit more complicated than I’m making it out to be, but the bottom line is that I’m a person that has experienced such a transformation in my life because of Jesus and I want to share that feeling.
Enter the World Race. I’ve been stalking the WR website and all of the blogs for years. I even started to fill out an application once but the timing just wasn’t right at that time… but it is now. I’m in the right place emotionally and spiritually. I want to grow in my relationship with Jesus. And I’ve seen first hand, while living in China, the need to spread Christ’s love amongst the nations.
So I’m going on the World Race. I can’t do something more “normal” because God doesn’t want me to. At least not right now.
Also, just to clarify – just because my new job title is “Missionary” and I’m going on the World Race, doesn’t mean that I have “it” all together. I’m neither a Super-Christian nor a goody two shoes with a holier than thou attitude. I struggle with things. I fight sin and temptation daily. I make mistakes. I'm a regular person, who, just like you, has been saved by the grace of God.
So bottom line about why I’m going on the Race? Blame Jesus. This is all for Him.
