When I begin to think about the journey before me on the World Race, I can easily get overwhelmed. The truth is that I am simply NOT YET PREPARED. Oh how much easier these next few months would be if I were prepared… but I am reminded today of the silliness of that thought. I assure you, no one in history has ever been prepared for God’s amazing plan for them, and I am no different. I think if I completely felt confident in my own self, I would be missing out on the truth of the gospel, which is the power of Christ who works in and THROUGH us. We are instruments, as Paul says. No one praises the instrument being used, but instead it is the Musician that is praised. What a beautiful song we get to be a part of, brothers and sisters! So instead of praying for confidence in myself, I am praying for GREATER FAITH in the one who made me and uses me.
The next area of life I wanted to talk about in this blog series is finances. I just want to encourage you guys in some truths of the BLESSINGS that come with fundraising.
In fundraising, I am reminded of Jesus as a fulfillment of the Law. Remember in the first five books of the Old Testament when God gives His people all of those rules? What was their purpose? First, they were to represent the Holiness of God and the unholiness of humanity. Second, the were meant to point to a messiah who would come as a greater plan for humanity to be with God. For example, Sabbath was one of the rules that set apart a day to rest. As believers, we NOW know that we can rest everyday knowing that Christ has already saved and forgiven us. Another example is the ceremonial law requiring a High Priest to sacrifice a burnt offering for himself, first, and then for the rest of the people in order to get forgiveness of sins. Now, however, Jesus is both the perfect and final High Priest AS WELL AS the unblemished and holy sacrifice covering ALL our sins. See what I mean? The New Testament, and our Christian Lives today, fulfill the Old Testament. In fundraising we can think of tithing. In the Old Testament, God called us to tithe ten percent of all possessions. Now, Christ calls us to something greater, to be His bride. To give our entire lives, all that we have. To pick up our cross and follow Him, whatever the cost. Giving should not be limited to ten percent. It means that nothing is our own, for we are a servant of Christ’s, and we need to listen and obey as He instructs in the way of money.
Next, I am simply reminded that everything we own is the Lord’s. No material we have should truly be considered a possession, if you think about it. God gives us life and daily provisions, not to mention the many other material blessings we receive each day. Therefore we should consider Him in every decision we make financially.
Lastly, I want to remind my Christian brothers and sisters of the missional call that God has placed on each of our lives. Being a missionary does not look the same for everyone, but we are all called to be missionaries for the Lord (Acts. 1:8, Matt 28:18-20 etc). As the church body, we are different parts to a great story that our Creator is orchestrating. We play different roles. Those who are called to give and fund missions are JUST as vital as those meant to go overseas. We are partners, and more so, we are a family. I urge you to pray over what the Lord has laid on your heart, and obey Him in whatever way it might be!
On a final Note: Please continue to pray over this aspect of preparing; I have about $10,000 more to raise. It has been incredible so far to see God move in every way and to truly live out Faith as I lean on the Lord during this process, so thank you all so much for your prayers and financial partnerships!
*While reading this, if you felt like the Lord was leading you to give financially, you can click here to donate!
