When I tell people about the race, a lot of them say, "You're good because I could never do that. I'd be too scared."
Scared of what? Political unrest, being kidnapped and sold into human trafficking, contracting random diseases, not showering for days, raising almost $16,000, asking people for money, being away from home for a year, living out of a backpack, and taking showers with a bucket…to name a few.
I'll admit that if I dwell on these things for too long, my flesh can ramble off a million reasons to turn back or be afraid, but I know that it only comes to nothing and detracts from God's glory. Fear has no place in the life of a believer. We have a choice between fear and faith. You can't have both. Only one will remain with you..and I choose faith.
Sure, I've thought about and re-thought about and ALMOST over-thought about everything that is mentioned above, but when I find myself starting to fear, doubt, or question, I bring faith into the equation and it brings me back to reality.
What's my reality?
"For God has not given us a Spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (2 Tim. 1:7, NLT
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NLT?)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33, NKJV)
"Give all our worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7. NLT)
It's okay to get scared or allow worry to sneak up on you, but as soon as you realize it's lurking around, YOU HAVE TO CAST IT DOWN! Worrying or dwelling in fear helps and solves nothing. When I start to over-think or question God with "what if, but, why, etc.", I immediately flip the switch from fear to faith. I have God on my side so no matter how I feel about asking people for money or what happens to me when I'm in another country, I trust God wholly and completely. My life is His to do with it as He pleases and I have faith that come bugs or bucket showers, He will never lead me wrong.
I will do as He requires, go as He leads, and leave fear at the wayside.
