I know these things because I have been there.
At times in my life I have been so far off track that I didn’t even recognize myself. I lost the zeal and zest for life. I forgot all about my hopes and dreams. I was like Jonah, not wanting to follow through with what God told me to do, and oh man, let me tell you, it cost me. I sat in the belly of a whale for far too long.
When I finally surrendered my will to God’s, and said, “Yes, I will obey you Lord, no matter the cost,” things in my life did not change automatically. I imagine after Jonah was spit out of the whale that he probably had a horrendous stench which lingered for a while. I’m sure he needed a hot shower, or two, and some new clothes. The same was true for me. I still found myself making some of the same stupid mistakes over and over, but I became more aware how detrimental the consequences of my actions were. It took a little while for my mindset to change and to be transformed.
But, day by day, thankfully by the grace and goodness of the Lord, I started to walk in obedience.
Though I did not realize it at the time, the Lord has been preparing me over the past year for this opportunity on the World Race and He has tested my obedience.
Obedience will cost us.
Yes, I will have to give up many things by going on the World Race, some of which I already have. I will miss out on a year’s worth of memories and events with family and friends. I won’t always have a bed to sleep in or get to shower with hot water. I will no longer have a steady job, comfortable salary, or health insurance benefits.
But I am here to tell you, the reward of obedience is worth it! The reward far outweighs the cost.
God does not call us to be obedient just to follow strict rules so He can display His dominance or power over us. Instead, God calls us to be obedient so that we can experience His love and grace. So, that we can flourish by trusting in His plan for our lives.
Not everyone is willing to surrender and be obedient. In Mark 10, Jesus tells the rich young ruler that in addition to keeping His commandments, he must sell his possessions and give to the poor in order to inherit treasures in heaven. The rich young ruler walked away sad.
I refuse to walk away sad. Instead, I am saying “YES” to following Jesus in a crazy, unusual, radical way. Simple obedience changes history!
Go listen to “Take Courage” by Lindy Conant & The Circuit Riders! Link is below.
I am thrilled to have you follow my journey on the World Race!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. If you’d like to meet over coffee or lunch, I would love to share more of my story with you!
