Something BIG is happening in my life. I guess that simply put, I am giving my life to God. I am letting Him control every single part of my life.
For once in my life, I don’t have a plan. I have always had a plan. Sure my plan changed multiple times, but I always had one. In high school, my plan was to graduate, meet a boy, get married and have at least 8 babies. (haha that so did not happen). I then had plans to hurry up with my degree in Elementary Education and start teaching right away, like my family did. I got about halfway done (associate’s degree) and then didn’t know where I wanted to go for school so I ended up taking a year off. I still don’t have my teaching degree… Next plan; move somewhere alone and make a new life. Yeah, that plan wasn’t so great. I met a guy in Nebraska who turned into my everything. My new plan was to marry this guy. The opposite ended up happening. I got my heart completely broken and moved home to Wyoming because of it. So since I was back in Casper, I thought I would go back to school. That had to be a good plan, right? Wrong. My credits totally didn’t work out. None of MY plans for my life were working out. For once in my life I was plan-less. I was never plan-less. This timing was perfect, coinciding with my decision to rededicate my life to Christ. I have chosen to walk with Him and completely let Him lead my life. So instead of creating a new plan for my life, I am following GOD’S plan. After much prayer, tears, brokenness, and obedience I know that God's plan for my life- short term at least- is to embark on a wonderful, life changing adventure. He wants me to go on the World Race.
Now THAT is a plan all right. 11 countries in 11 months?!?! This is by far the craziest plan I've ever embarked on. But it also is the most promising. Knowing that it's where God wants me to be is amazing. I can't wait to be stripped of everything I know, get taken completely out of my comfort zone and just grow in the Lord and do His work to advance His Kingdom.
I've gotten so many mixed responses when I tell people what God has called me to do.
-
"Haha, Mel, you don't even know how to hike. Or pitch a tent. And you over pack when you leave for a week. How are you going to survive out of a backpack in the world?"
- Well… This is true. But as for the physical aspects, such as my ability to hike, I do have 8 months to prepare. And I am not even worried. God will give me strength.
- Honestly, the point of having only a backpack is to leave our every day comforts and routine. To abandon everything and follow God. All I really need is my Bible.
-
"You can't date for nearly 2 years?! That's just silly"
- No, not at all. I wouldn't want to start a relationship before I leave, because I need to use that time to prepare my heart for this mission trip.
- The only relationship I need to focus on is my one with Jesus.
- Of course I can't date while on the mission. I couldn't imagine taking any focus off of God to turn a friendship into anything more, with anyone.
-
"That is a LOT of money that you have to come up with. Good luck with that"
- God will provide. He always has. He will make sure His will is completed. I have no doubts.
- And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
So here I am. So many emotions going through my mind. But mostly I am happy. I am so happy that God has a plan for my life. I am happy that He has called me and wants to use me to reach many tribes and nations of the world. I am so happy that He is using me, regardless of the things I have done in my past. I am SO happy that Jesus died for those past sins, so that I can someday have eternal life in heaven with my Daddy. I am happy to grow in my faith and become the woman God intends me to be. I am so HAPPY that He has called me to the World Race.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
