I wrote this in my blog on July 4th, 2014. The poem found in it so perfectly illustrates my heart and desire to go on the World Race; to be the woman of adventure and at the same time service and love to different people and places all over the world. I can’t wait to experience Him in all these places. I know that the growth through abandonment and surrender starts now, not just when I load onto the plane with my team in 2015. It begins now and continues as I lay it all down and follow Him. Completely.
July 4th, 2014
How perfect that I came across this poem today; the day after I submit my application to the World Race. It will be a journey through 11 countries in 11 months with a team of fellow believers through the Adventures in Mission Organization. I cannot describe the overwhelming assurance I have felt through the process thus far, but I know there is still a long way to go! I am eager to see how He brings it all together and the growth it will bring to our relationship and drawing me nearer still to Himself. It has been nerve-racking finishing the application, but in prayer and surrender I give it over to Him. And I cannot wait to continue to journey through this with Him. I am responding to His voice and my heart and soul swell with assurance of His hand over it all.
I came across this poem in a short book titled, “Deny Yourself” about missionaries that have died bringing the Gospel to places untouched by the name Jesus. The man who wrote this, Bill McChesney, came from America and died at the hands of a rebel mob in the Congo. He wrote it before he left the states as a profession of his commitment about his choice to go; to be a light ina dark place.
My Choice
I want my breakfast served at eight, with ham and eggs upon the plate;
A well-broiled steak I’ll eat at one, and dine again when day is done.
I want an ultra modern home and in each room a telephone;
Soft carpets, too, upon the floors, and pretty drapes to grace the doors.
A cozy place of lovely things, like easy chairs with inner springs,
And then I’ll get a small TV – of course, “I’lm careful what I see.”
I want my wardrobe, too, to be of neatest, finest quality,
With latest style in suit and vest: Why should not Christians have the best?
But then the Master I can hear in no uncertain voice, so clear:
“I bid you come and follow Me, the lowly Man of Galilee.”
“Birds of the air have made their nest, and foxes in their holes find rest,
But I can offer you no bed; no place have I to lay My head.”
In shame I hung my head and cried, How could I spurn the Crucified?
Could I forget the way He went, the sleepless nights in prayer He spent?
For forty days without a bite, alone He fasted day and night;
Despised, rejected – on He went, and did not stop till veil He rent.
A man of sorrows and of grief, no earthly friend to bring relief;
“Smitten of God,” the prophet said, Mocked, beaten, bruised, His blood ran red.
If He be God, and died for me, no sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man, to make; I’ll do it all for Jesus’ sake.
Yes, I will tread the path He trod, no other way will please my God;
So, henceforth, this my choice shall be, my choice for all eternity.”
I have long realized I wanted more from life than a comfortable house with nice things and cute outfits hanging up inside it. Yes, those things are fine and Godmade them for us to enjoy, but I don’t want to put them above my love for Him. The decision to go on the World Race has been years in the making. Really, it feels as though my whole life has come together for this journey. Last year, I read the book “Kingdom Journeys” by Seth Barnes when I was traveling in Mexico. I thought how cool it would be to do something like that and the thought stayed at that. Then, six months ago I felt a pull to do it, but then my head tried to rationalize and I talked myself out of it; deciding there was too much keeping me here. Now it has become the opposite; there is too much keeping me from going. So the next process is to get rid of everything, sell the house, find the dogs a place to stay and GO. The confidence I feel in His desire of this journey for my life is so intense. And it is all to bring Him glory; to shine in a dark place that needs His light and love.
