Anytime I share that I’m going on the World Race, the same questions are asked and the same comments are made. It’s as if I’ve had déjà vu hundreds of times – and I know the answers and responses. It never fails that at some point, people are always surprised by some aspect of the way I feel or think or believe.
Not because I’m some wonderful, adventurous, out-of-this-world person; but because I’m not. I’m just an ordinary twenty-three year old girl with three baby siblings, the best cat ever as a pet and a wonderful career ahead of me. I can relate to just about everyone I meet in some way, shape or form. I’ve had my fair share of up’s and down’s, I’ve suffered and I’ve succeeded. So when the Race comes up in conversation with strangers, friends and even family, they just “can’t believe you would quit your job that you love and leave the comfort of your home to go into the unknown for almost a year!”
It makes me laugh every time. “Me either,” I always say. “But aren’t you afraid?” they ask. I shake my head. Because the truth is, I’m not. I am fearless. Wow – how freeing it feels to say that. But I really am. God is on my side, He has my back, He’s holding my hand, and He’s cut out the path ahead of me. “Will there be anyone to protect you?” I nod, “Jesus.” “You’re so brave,” they say. “No. No, I’m not.” You see, people admire bravery, but bravery is frequently confused with faith.
My faith is extremely strong. When I was 18 I got my first tattoo – “Never lose faith.” I can say it’s only grown since then.
I grew up in a life where miracles happened regularly. My mother had a miscarriage with the third born while she was at a convention with Pastor Elaine Hollmer. Elaine prayed over her and told her that there was still a baby in her womb. Doctors said there hadn’t been twins, there had only been one baby. And my sister, Faith Elaine, was born on time, a beautiful and chunky little girl. Doctors said the fourth born was going to have downs syndrome – he had all the signs. My parents rebuked the lies and he was born with no signs at all. The first few years of his life he had kidney failure. Doctors wanted to remove the kidney that was “no good.” Again, my parents used their faith and now, at 13 years old, that no good kidney is working at 98.9%.
I am seriously so blessed to have grown up in a faith-filled family. Those are only a few of the many miracles I have witnessed. I learned firsthand from my parents and grandparents that miracles can be everyday occurrences if only you use your faith. And so I have. It hasn’t always been so great. I spent many years living in doubt, depression and darkness. But I dare the enemy to test my faith now. He will not knock at my foundation ever again.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” You must know without a doubt what you can’t see for your faith to work – and I guarantee that if you use it, God will allow you to see the proof. Faith must come before sight.
So I use my faith, because it is greater than any fear, and know that I am protected by the power of Jesus Christ. It is only He, who I fear.
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.— Matthew 17:20
