Since my adventure with the World Race began, I’ve been telling everyone about it. I really don’t think there’s been a day so far that I haven’t told a new person about this amazing journey the Lord is taking me on! But I’ve been under the impression that, even though I make sure to tell people that this is a MISSIONS trip, they don’t completely understand it.
I'll tell you what I mean…
So far, it seems like a lot of people somehow associate the World Race with me getting a chance to see the world and have fun. Let me clarify. Yes, I will get to see the world. And yes, it’s bound to be fun! But let’s be honest, living in a tent and out of a backpack for 11 months is just not that glamorous.
I say this with great emphasis…THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME.
This is about making a difference and making an impact. It’s about sharing the Good News of the Gospel with people who have NEVER heard it before! It’s about life-change for me, my squad, and those who my squad and I get the chance to interact with. It’s about brokenness. It’s about redemption. It’s about LIVING OUT the Gospel. It’s about literally selling my possessions and following the Lord into the world. It’s about helping the homeless and poor by BECOMING homeless and poor. It’s about letting go of the things of this world, and clinging to God and His Word. Again, this is not about me. This is about God. And this is completely, 100% God’s doing. Here’s how I know…
For those of you who may not know, this is something I would never ever ever do under any other circumstance. I am not the outdoorsy type (although, I’m sure I will be by the end of it!). I do NOT like bugs, creepy crawlies, rodents, being hot, dirt, smelling bad, or public speaking. I very much enjoy air conditioning, my cell phone, American toilets, watching The Golden Girls as I go to sleep every night, and being in my comfort zone. The World Race is God’s way of taking me WAY outside of those comforts, and into the things that I highly dislike. It’s going to be extremely difficult at times, and I will be broken more often than not. But regardless of these things, I am completely content, at peace, and EXCITED about these coming experiences! It will be challenging, but I know the outcome will be beautiful. Being homeless, poor, and broken is a small price to pay for furthering the Lord’s eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
I read a friend’s facebook status today that really moved me. It said, “You can’t stay where you are and go with God… I have learned that changes (thinking, goals, values, desires, attitudes, relationships) are required as we obey Him, His purpose, and His ways. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so stop expecting Him to adjust to us and our plans. Read scripture about the changes of Noah, Moses, Ruth, Esther, David, Peter, and Paul. Are we willing to adjust our lives for His glory?”
This is exactly what I’m talking about. This is exactly why I’m participating in the World Race. It is not about me or achieving glory for myself, it’s about making changes to obey His will! We cannot expect God to adjust to our plans or what we want. Let’s just face it, that never ends up well! (Remember what happened to Jonah when he didn’t obey God?…yikessss!) So this is me surrendering my life, my plans, and my everything to the will of God.
It’s not about me. It’s all about Him.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'
And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Isaiah 6:8
