At the time when I decided to join the World Race, I was a student in my last year of high school. I had straight-A’s, a 4.83 GPA from the first semester (the highest in the school), and enough college credit to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. I was set for an extremely successful college career, so why am I here? Why am I going on the World Race?
The easiest answer is that I was called by God. Despite my success, I was spread thin and falling apart; I was living in an identity not fit for me. After a rocky relationship with school for the past four years of my life, I was faced with some truths in the Fall of 2022. At the time I was frustrated with my fruitless two-month search for a remotely likable university, and God was calling some things to mind that I didn’t want to reflect on. On a late-night drive back home from the coast, overwhelmed and terrified of what the future held, I lamented to my friend:
I told her that I thought God was leading me away from college. I was so frustrated that He was dead-silent in all my queries about college, but most of all, I didn’t want to face what He was actually calling me to. I was terrified. God revealed to me periodically throughout my life that he was calling me to missions—from an alarmingly young age (and I detailed every experience in full), but I thought that it was just so unrealistic. It’s so not sustainable. What about everything I have worked for? All the things I’ve strived for so I could stand out in a college application? What will I tell my parents? How will I tell my parents? How will they take it? What about my current relationships? What if? What if? What if?
After a long silence, my friend replied, “I mean, if this is from God, Rebekah” (pause) “Everything will work out.”
…And work out it did. After that enlightening conversation, I switched my question from, “God, what college is the right one for me,” to “What do You have next for me?”
And He led me to the WorldRace.
In the time since God has spoken truth of the identity I have in Him: (1) Biblical truths—that I am redeemed, worthy, and bold in His name, and (2) personal truths—that I am not meant to obsess over my grades but perform miracles.
God has removed my chains, given me a new name, and welcomed me into an intimate relationship. He fills my cup with impossible peace, love, and joy. In His name, God has shown me endless wonders beyond my wildest dreams. And He tells me He isn’t finished. He is not finished with me, He is not finished with you, and He is not finished with this world. God is doing a New Work, and He is inviting me to be a part of that.
You can support me and the work that God is doing by clicking “support” or by clicking on the link below and donating: https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2023-world-race-gap-year-route-3/participants/rebsdoyle
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” ——Matthew 28v18-20
