I am a planner, and I have to be to keep the million different things I am doing at any given time straight. I’m also a little old fashioned and I write everything down. It’s how I keep myself from going crazy and I guess it’s how I pretend to have some sense of control.
But, it’s funny how planning works. It doesn’t matter how organized you are, or how prepared you think you may be, nothing quite goes the way we hope. This past year, God has been showing me that I can make all the plans I want, but unless I am obedient to His will, they are going to fail.
“There are many plans in man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’S counsel–that will stand.” –Proverbs 19:21
This is a lesson that I have to relearn every day. Throughout this whole process I have had to surrender my idea of what this ministry should look like. Stepping out in faith means total surrender and trust that God is going to lead and provide.
When I applied for the World Race, at the bottom of the route I chose it said “Race Route is subject to change.” I read it, but I didn’t think much of it. Honestly, how often do we actually pay attention to the fine print at the bottom?
Then, a couple of weeks ago I was thrown for a major loop. I was on my way to REI with my dad to buy my pack when I got the email–the email that said my route was going to change.
When I read the email about my route change, my first thought was “oh crap.” Then I was a little disappointed because I had my heart set on ministering in Panama. Then the fear began to set in. That is when I realized I was playing with my ring. I had this ring made when I was in Israel that has Joshua 1:9 engraved in Hebrew and I have a nervous habit of twisting it on my finger. When I looked down I was reminded of God’s command to Joshua and the people of Israel.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
That small reminder changed my perspective. God is in control and I have nothing to fear. God has continued to show me that when we walk with Him we have nothing to fear. He has called me on this journey for a reason, and no matter what gets thrown at me, He is there.
So… I am excited to announce the new list of countries I will be ministering in next year!
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Ghana
Burkina Faso
Côte d’Ivoire
Romania
Montenegro
Cambodia
Thailand
Malaysia**
**Race Route subject to change** 😉
