And it all starts with just one simple little word.
Yes.
Its no secret to those that know me that God has always been a huge part of my life – even when I was running from Him. And let me tell you… those times have been far too many to count! I am a flawed human being. Surprise, surprise!
I have never been able to figure out for the life of me why God would want me! The things I have done, the places I have been have all been enough to just completely forget about me and go on His merry little way or wipe me out, rather. But He has a plan. He has always had a plan. Cool thing is that He knew everything I was going to do, He knew every lie I would tell, every bit of manipulation I would pull out, every drug I would use, every place I would try to find what I thought was love in someone else – in essence, I cheated on my God with everything imaginable and He still wants me. And that is beautiful!
So, what am I doing here about to embark on the next chapter of my life that God has so incredibly called me to and trusted me and the people I will go with to help change the world for His glory?
Ill tell you a little story.
I have always secretly wanted to do missions. Growing up I was not sure what that would look like and the thought of going, leaving what I know, leaving comfortable for the uncomfortable, and leaving the people I love scared me to death. But, the desire to go into the world and share Jesus with others has never gone away. It has just grown!
Last year while riding in the car with my best friend, crying, while trying to figure out where my life was headed, I was asked a very simple question. Now, mind you, I had never told anyone about my secret desire to do missions. I never thought it was possible, but in that moment in the car, I felt that something was missing and I could not put my finger on it.
“Kayla! Have you ever thought about doing missions? I know that may seem a bit random but have you ever thought about it?”
God told on me.
More tears roll down my face and all I could get out was “yes” at first. Then I proceeded to tell her how I had always wanted to but never felt that I could – and for multiple reasons..
I’m not good enough. I can’t remember scripture like other people can. I cant pray as well out loud as the other person. I am too shy. I am too open. I am too closed off. blah blah blahhh.
Every excuse in the book came to mind.
Then I was reminded. God doesn’t call the qualified and there is no reason that God can’t use me if I would be willing to let one little three letter word escape from my lips. Yes.
Then He asked me “What are you willing to give up for Me? Will you give me your everything?”
So, I said yes. And after doing some research, I applied for the World Race. After a long process, I ended up in counseling. By far one of the best things to have ever happened to me! Last year was the wrong time for me to take off on this crazy adventure with Jesus. He had a different plan that involved a lot of healing!
A few months ago, I was asked the same question I was a year before. “What are you willing to give up for Me? Will you still give me your everything?”
Which is what brings us to NOW.
God has called me to go on this incredible journey with Him along with a group of incredible people to do life with for 11 months in 11 different countries. We will leave in January 2016 to impact the kingdom for Jesus in a huge kind of way! Not only will we be helping in the local communities, villages, and churches, but also do things like work in orphanages, visit children’s hospitals, build houses, plant churches, lead worship, and minister to sex trafficking victims.
I believe that this is just the beginning of the rest of my life and the launching pad for the ministry that God has for me to do.
I have said yes. Will you say yes and be a part of this journey with me?
I cannot wait to see what all God is going to do through all of this! I am not sure what exactly it is going to look like, but I can be sure that it is going to be epic!
Until next time, peeps.
I love yall!
