I have been asked that question too many times this past summer. And for the longest time, my answer was yes. And then came August when I got accepted into the World Race and my answer changed.
So, how did I get here? The idea floated around in my head in May. At first, I thought it would be so cool to visit all these countries listed on the route. It was selfish desires that started it, but I came to realize how much I loved serving other people and what an opportunity it would be to show God’s love in a practical way to people all around the world. So I talked to my parents about what I was thinking and they did not want me to go. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I started my application anyways. By the way, I do NOT recommend or endorse disobeying your parents.
Being the procrastinator that I am, I finally finished my application at the end of July and got accepted early August. Since my parents didn’t approve of this idea I was TERRIFIED to tell my parents! So my prayer was, “God if you want me to go, my parents would be okay with it.” My second prayer was for confirmation from God to go. A week went by since I got a call about my acceptance and I was so frustrated with God that He wasn’t answering me. I knew that God had His own timing and all, but I wanted an immediate answer.
One day, I was doing my devotions and was led to Hebrews 11 where it talks about all the people God used and the incredible amount of faith they all had. The past few months, I was not growing in my faith, I was not trusting God with a lot in my life, and I was frustrated with my lack of growth, faith and trust. And in my devo book I was asked to meditate on two questions:
In what areas is God asking you to join him in adventure? Have you settled for a second-rate life of pursuing the same things as those in the world, or are you a person of faith?
I knew the answers right away. Missions. And yes. I was settling. During the week, I was also looking at applying for full time jobs and not going on the World Race at all. My devos spoke right to me but I was still doubtful. That night, I went to small group where the topic of faith popped up again. And on my drive home I realized it was no longer I wanted to go on this trip but that I NEEDED to go.
When I went home, my mom told me there was a message on the answering machine for me. It was from Adventures in Mission. My mom blind sided me and asked me who keeps calling our house. So I had to tell her. And surprisingly, when I told her she was ok with me going on the trip. It was actually even easier to tell my dad even though he’s not a Christian.
My parents are now super supportive, a little worried, but excited for me and what’s to come. My co-workers from my summer job are excited for me as well, maybe even more excited than I am at times! And my friends have been so faithful in praying for me all this time.
So this marks the beginning of a faith adventure with God…
