Speaking with my family tonight during Christmas Eve dinner, it quickly became apparent that… Well, they think I’m crazy for doing this. This “World Race”. This 11 month missions trip I’ve been dreaming of for the last four years or so.
According to them, the primary source of my insanity is how unsafe it is.
How many people are going with you? You know they don’t like Americans.. or they like them too much. Do you know how to defend yourself? What are you going to eat? Where are you going to sleep?
It’s difficult to explain amongst witty banter the peace that I feel about this trip, but all I could think of was a quote. You’ve probably heard it in one form or another. “I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid I’ll never get a chance to live.” (A.A. Bell)
Now, a lot of people say this but I truly mean it. I’m not afraid to die. I don’t mean that in an I want to die sort of way, but rather I have full faith in God’s promises of the afterlife. I mean why should I be afraid?
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21
My deepest anxiety comes from feeling as if my life is meaningless-just being another cog in the wheel. Getting my degree, for instance, is something that I wanted to do. Something that I was expected to do. But it hasn’t made me feel fulfilled. I am confident that God calls us to different places to do many things. By no means do I expect everyone to follow me across the world to minister to others, because there are people here who need to be ministered to as well. However, I am being called across the world and I am going to go.
My yearning to follow God and be used to fulfill God’s plan for my life far outweighs any concerns that I have. I’d much rather be in the darkest places of the world offering light than being safe and sound in my own room.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
I hope this helps explain why I’m doing this, and alleviates any concerns you all may have.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Lots of Love,
Shelby Scott
