Who knew a t-shirt could carry so much power. NO I’m not referring to the power of making you look 10 pounds lighter, or 3 shades tanner (I WISH). EVEN BETTER, the power I am talking about… is the LOVE of Jesus.
There are so many emotions that come with this journey of the World Race. Right now… yes, I am sitting in bed, attempting to study and planning a fun weekend but always in the back of my head and heart are these tiny twinges of feelings: anxiety, fear, and doubt that comes with fundraising, especially when the goal is $17,500. Aka worth more than my freaking life (JK MOM, I KNOW IM WORTH MORE & quite frankly HAVE COST YALL MORE) HAHA
BUT, BUT, BUT YALL!!! I cannot even begin to describe God’s faithfulness and love that has come with this process thus far!! Psalm 117 says it all, “For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. PRAISE THE LORD!”
AND THIS VERSE COULDN’T BE ANY MORE TRUE!!!!!
I began designing this 11n11 shirt with a goal of selling 100, and a mindset of only selling 50. And right now I am on my second batch of shirts, with 11 hours left having sold a total of 196 shirts!!!!! (cue tears) If that doesn’t describe the heart of God, I don’t know what will. He’s exceeding my expectations seven-fold, and overwhelming my heart with love and thankfulness!!
As I began fundraising with my nonchalant attitude of “yea I’m not worried, it’ll all work out, but really not knowing what the crap I was doing.” My friend spoke truth over me, saying “God called you to this, He will be faithful in His provision for this trip. He has already provided the funds and the people who will help, it’s just up to us to seek out whom He has already provided us with.”
So now I want to thank YOU, I want to thank everyone who has donated and/or bought a t-shirt! I want you to know that you are being obedient to God’s call on your life. (I know that might sound crazy cause it’s a simple t-shirt purchase or a simple amount of money donation) but NO those are lies. YOU are just as important in this journey as the racers. God has provided you for my life, to go out and obey my calling to the nations. You are sowing treasures in eternity for someone that will be reached on this trip, by partnering with building God’s kingdom!!
I want you to know every picture, share, like, purchase, and donation doesn’t go unseen. Not only do I see it and my heart explodes with gratitude and love, BUT JESUS sees it! Jesus is proud of you! and Jesus loves you!
I FEEL IT every time I wear my shirt. I hope every time you put your 11n11 shirt on you feel the presence of God and know His love is sown and stitched in that shirt!
Last but not least, and most importantly. I want to give praises to God!! Thank you Lord, for the constant and daily reminders of how much you love me. Thank you for the way you have provided these wonderful humans in my life who support me. Thank you for never failing and always providing. The list can go on forever and for that, I am undeserving but so very thankful for your faithfulness!
Psalm 138: 1-2
“I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and faithfulness”
PS: I hope this simple story can be an encouragement for whatever you’re going through. I want you to walk away knowing that Jesus is so faithful. He has never left you and His promises reign true over your life. So please don’t give up pursuing him.
In the words of bethel music, “He will never let you down” and I can testify to that.
-I love you too, Jesus!!
Katie B
