Money. It is something people cry over. It is something people loose there family and friends over. It is even something people die for. To think that at the end of the day it is only paper. Something so little, so insignificant, until our society puts a purpose behind it. It it something used in the world, yet we sometimes allow it to run our world. Like most people, it is also something I worry about daily. I even let it be way to big of a deciding factor in my participation in the World Race.
When I had my interview, as part of my application process, and the women asked me, “what is something you are struggling with in life or even your walk with God right now?” I knew what my answer would be right away, even if I was afraid to admit it, money.
I was in the process of raising money for a mission trip to Puerto Rico for hurricane relief work and I was no where near my ultimate goal. I was stressed, confused and quiet frankly angry. I knew God called me to this mission trip and I knew He knew where I stood financially. The money just was not there for me to go on this mission trip. So, I answered the women honestly.
The second I got off the phone I went to eat with a friend and she told me how my older sister had written something on her Facebook about my trip. I had no idea she even did it. When I got back to my dorm I sat down and read the sweet words my sister had written. Her Birthday was that month and she asked for anyone that would give her anything for her special day to instead donate it to my trip. I checked my Gofundme and I Had went from zero dollars to to 200 and from no one donating to 10 people. I immediately burst into tears not only amazed by my sister’s selflessness but the Lords sense of security. It was the boost I needed. I was no longer afraid to reach out and ask people, when before I was so embarrassed, because I realized this money wasn’t for me, but to further the Kingdom.
Now, I am almost completely funded for this trip because of people’s obedience to God and the Lord’s answer to my cry for help. Out of people’s complete kindness I was able to receive almost two thousand dollars in donations.
You are probably wondering, “why is this girl telling me this story?” Well, my point is to show that fear of something so little, like money, is no match to God’s glory and power. Something that seems to identify people, run people’s lives and, like it was for me, be one of the deciding factors in doing something that could change someone’s life is pointless. Yes, money is necessary and can do incredible things, but it is not something that should lead to fear and doubt.
When I tell people about my race one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “how much is that going to cost?” I tell them the number knowing what there facial expression and reply is going to be. Ever-time I laugh and say,”I know its a lot of money, but God called me to this and something as little as money is not going to stand in His way.” Do I know I need money to go on this trip? Absolutely… Do I know it is a lot of money to raise in less than a year? One-hundred percent… Am I gonna let that stop me from being a missionary for nine months, obeying my Lord and savior and expanding the the kingdom? Never.
I’ve seen people’s kindness. I’ve seen how God moves in people’s hearts to donate if they are willing and able. Now, that doesn’t mean that I’m gonna sit and wait for it to happen. Im gonna work and raise as much money as possible. Having the money for the World Race is necessary, yes. I need people to help me reach this goal, yes. However, I don’t fear the Lord not helping me get there because our God, our Savior, our Shepard, our Heavenly Father, the Great I Am, He knows no price tags.
With all my love,
Rachel Stacy
