Prior to when I began cherishing my relationship with the Lord (before 7th grade), I refused to do hard things. I didn’t want to do anything that made me uncomfortable and I surely didn’t ever dream about traveling for 9 months in distant countries to share the love I’ve found in Jesus. I was almost afraid that God would ask me to give away everything I own, leave the people I love and go live in a small village in Africa for the rest of my life.
I was so dependent upon the security of my home, my family and my hometown church that I had no desire to leave. But then I realized that Jesus isn’t asking me to get rid of all the things I love, he’s asking me to choose him over all the other things I love so much.
In Birthing the Miraculous by Heidi Baker, she says “The Lord can use anyone who will respond to Him as Mary did-who says, “Be it unto me according to your word.” He will use anyone who has a willing heart. And I believe that through intimacy with God, we can find a place of yielded love in which all fear disappears, a place in which we become willing to do anything and go anywhere for loves sake.”
In the 6th grade God wasn’t asking me to move to an African village by myself. He was asking me to say yes to all the possibilities found in him. Through the coming years, he taught me that saying yes even when I don’t know the outcome is better than wishing I had. I’ve been on some wild adventures with the Lord, some hard and some easier, but every time I say yes, we move into a deeper place of intimacy.
That’s all it takes to move into a deeper level of intimacy with Jesus; as yes in your spirit and a willing heart. In giving Jesus my yes, I lost my no. And I hope I never find it.
Asking for help is one of those hard things for me. But I need it, and as a community we are better and stronger together. So, here I am asking for your help. I have until this Friday to raise $2,100 and I can’t do it. But we serve a BIG God who can!
If you feel led to partner with me financially you can donate directly through my blog (it’s tax deductible) or you can contact me to donate directly. Please prayerfully consider it, as I can’t go on the race without meeting my financial goals.
Words can hardly describe the appreciation I have for those who have partnered with me financially and the sacrifices made to do so. But also, those who have prayed for my team, squad, leaders and me. Your words have power, and your prayers matter because God hears every single one of them. I love you guys.
-Shelbs
