For the first week after I got accepted to go on the World Race I had this intense excitement pouring out of me. Ranging from excitement to nervousness, I had experienced about every emotion possible in these last few weeks. I was just extremely eager to dive into this journey and learn more about what God has in store for me in these upcoming months. I looked up packing lists, vaccinations, fundraising ideas, and about everything possible I could find out about this trip. Not that being prepared is a bad thing, because it’s not and I’m going to need to know all of these things, plus some before I leave. But I was getting caught up in the moment and not realizing that I don’t leave for another 10 months.
At youth group a couple sundays ago we talked about using the unique gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us. In our conversation my wonderful youth leader Karlette said this, “God has blessed you these gifts to serve but you have all this time before you leave.” And it hit me. Yes, I have this amazing opportunity to serve God’s kingdom across the world but I can’t hold back until then. I certainly can not keep my eyes so focused on this trip and getting prepared that I forget to see what God will place in front of me until I leave. My adventure with Jesus doesn’t start when I leave for the trip. It starts now, the moment I chose to serve God’s kingdom and use these amazing abilities He has blessed me with.
So for these next 10 months I can take this time to serve here, to the people and communities around me. Just like every nation needs Jesus, we also desperately need Him too. No matter what it may be, big or small, God will use me in this time of waiting to glorify Him. These next 10 months will be filled with a ton of preparation but also with an open heart seeking God’s direction for me. I pray that God will use me to serve in the midst of my waiting and give me the opportunity to show His love to those who need it most.
Proverbs 3:6
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go; He’s the one that will keep you on track.
