Hey all,
Over the last month, I’ve experienced a little bit of worry and fear… Fear of making a mistake, of the future, of the unknown, of actually going abroad because of all that’s going on in the world, of doing something that would displease God, etc… Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited to go on this trip – to explore the world, meet my brothers and sisters in other nations serving God in various capacities, to serve and learn alongside them, to eat different foods, see the sights, get the ride of my life in other traffic jams! 😉 But, fear sometimes gets the best of me…
Yesterday, the sermon at church was entitled, “Do Not Worry.” Such a fitting sermon! We read through Luke 12:22-34 (such a great passage!). I was reminded that since worrying cannot add an extra hour to the day or inch to your height, what’s the point in worrying about all the rest? It’s God’s greatest happiness to give us His Kingdom!
The pastor had spoken recently with a Christian psychologist about people experiencing anxiety. The psychologist said that he’s coming across more and more people who come to him with worries that are completely imagined! While some of the worries (like having enough money to live on) may have been real worries in the past, now-a-days, they’re not REAL concerns for most of us in America. Statistically speaking, anyone making $20,000 a year or more is among the 98% richest in the world! Granted, we still have poverty in our country, but for most of us, it’s not a real concern.
It struck me that we often worry about things which are imagined! How true! I tend to worry about things that have never happened or are likely to NEVER happen!
So, what do we do about worry?? He said it’s all about where we put our focus. Rather than focusing on our circumstances or the “what ifs” of life, we ought to focus on Jesus. He will never change. He is constant! And when we worry, we miss out on God’s blessings… It robs us of joy in the present!
So, if, or rather, when, you find yourself worrying, remember that God’s got it all under control and it’s HIS job to worry about it! Remembering who He is and what He’s said about our life and the future of the world, will help us experience His joy and peace!
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Lastly, I wanted to include a mini-update… A big THANK YOU to those of you who have supported me financially! So far, I’m 23% supported towards my total goal! THANK YOU!
There’s still a ways to go, but I know it’ll get done! I’ve kept track of the financial progress on a map based on the number of days I’ll be gone. I’ll be abroad a total of 328 days which comes to roughly 120 days in both Asia and Europe, and 88 days in Africa. So far, I still have 95 days left to be sponsored in Asia and Europe, and 63 days in Africa. It’s roughly $50 a day or $1500 a month. Will you consider sponsoring a day or a month? My final financial deadline is April 29th, 2016.
THANK YOU for considering being a part of my team!
Blessings, friends!
Sarah
