Are you all in?
I’ll admit when I first heard about the World Race this spring I was sold just on the travel. The idea of visiting 11 countries in 11 months, to live and work with everyday people rather than staying at resorts, and to serve rather than be served was what drew me. Honestly, I was in it for the adventure more than the journey.
At the time, I was working a dead-end job. I loved my boss and coworkers and the job was interesting enough, but it was not what I wanted to do and it was not challenging. I felt trapped and was getting restless looking for the next thing. Part of me felt guilty for wanting to leave a company that had been so good to me, but even my boss knew it was a stepping stone position. In the spring God shut the door on the World Race and did not open it until the Fusion Squad was announced.
From the moment I opened the email announcing the Fusion Squad, I knew this was the journey to which God was calling me. That was July, and He continues to confirm this Race is His will. Early on with fundraising struggles I did doubt a little bit, yet He never wavered in His call. As fundraising picked up speed, to-dos got checked off, and the packing list got finalized I felt more and more like, “I can handle this.” I was very confident in my ability to do the World Race. We were told that to go on the race we had to be open and ready for change, for God to work in us. Of course, bring it on, change is good, and I’m all up for God molding me. I thought.
Are you all in?
A couple weeks ago we were sent Kingdom Journeys by Seth Barnes. Seth Barnes is the creator of the World Race, and this book explains his heart and his vision of discipleship. I’m loving it. This is the first time I’ve heard restlessness called a gift! He outlines how a physical journey with Jesus as the focus can lead to a spiritual journey. But as I read I’m seeing that a true kingdom journey is not just an adventure. A true kingdom journey requires I be open and willing to allow God to work in me to make changes. It will take a commitment to hard work and a dependence on Him.
Today Seth emailed our squad and asked us if we are all in. Are we willing to stick it out when it is hard? We each need to be committed because next year as a team we need to be looking out for each other. Are we ready to be challenged? Are we ready for the hard work and dedication next year is going to take?
About a month ago, I was shaken. My confidence was to much in myself. This last month has been raw, and I’ve curled up inside for protection. Opening up is scary; it’s going to hurt. But now I’m back on the Rock. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Like Paul, I am learning to be surrendered to God’s will and content where He has me. I am trusting that He will take me by the hand and guide me in this path.
Hard work is not fun. Actually, hard work looks daunting, but usually once I take the first step it’s not as hard as it seemed. Often once I get going and keep taking it one step at a time, the hard work is not so bad. Sadly, there are things I’ve missed out on in my life because they seemed too hard. Reading Seth’s email there was a tiny little thought that maybe this was too much maybe it was time to bail. No! I’m done being too afraid of a challenge to get to the good stuff on the other side.
I know that I have no idea what I’m getting myself into, but I’m excited to see what God has in store. Am I ready for the hard work and dedication next year is going to take? Without a doubt.
YES
