Why did I choose the World Race, you ask? Why 11 months away from home? Why give $18,200 for this? Here is how I felt the Lord draw me and why I chose to say, “Yes!”…
I have been on many short-term mission trips over the years, both in the United States and other countries, such as Panama, Mexico, and Honduras. However, the last few years, I’ve felt that God was going to be doing something big, a transition to something different, that I would be going somewhere for a longer period, or starting something new. One September day in 2017, while I was browsing Facebook, I saw an ad for the World Race and was immediately FILLED with excitement! But it was the kind of hopeful excitement that thought, “if only crazy dreams like this would come true!” It wasn’t that I doubted God’s capability to make it happen, it was more that I doubted it was part of His plan for me, like it sounded too crazy good to actually happen. Nevertheless, I shared it with my friends, curious as to what others would say… and to my delight, I was encouraged to research and pray about this opportunity that was set before me.
Fast forward to March of this year, after much prayer, talking to my parents, my pastors, trusted friends, and asking World Race alumni every possible question I could think of, I finally heard the ‘Yes’ I was waiting on. One evening while running on the treadmill at the gym, Papa God started downloading to me words of knowledge for people around me, clearly speaking to me about what He has planned, and providing answers to questions I had been praying about. I was soaking it in, feeling so loved and in awe by my Father. I had already felt a peace about the World Race and had decided to step forward into applying, but still was hoping for a clear confirmation, so I asked Papa, “Is the World Race part of my future? Is that part of the next steps for me?” His response? “Yes, the World Race is part of My plan for you, but I have so much more for you than that. Don’t get stuck on this one dream. You cannot even comprehend all that I have in store for you, all the lives that you will touch.” Basically, I felt that He was giving me a glimpse as to just how small my “crazy amazing dream” of traveling to 11 countries over the next year really was. Wow! What can even be more amazing? When I asked if I was supposed to go on one of the routes this coming January, He replied that He will work out the timing for everything perfectly when I am to go, for my job, for the children’s church that I help teach, my living situation, everything! I felt a peace to say Yes, to step forward, knowing that God will work everything out for me and that if the timing is not what I think it is, that He will show me and direct me. The Lord is a good Shepard, and I know that He will not let me go astray. I can trust His guidance.
“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:10
So yeah! As I move forward, I can already testify that He IS moving and working things out for this trip. And for the things that have not come to pass in the natural (such as finances and living situation for the remainder of this year), I still can hold onto that peace He has blessed me with. I am not worried because God has shown up and shown off, time and time again! I know that if this is His will, for His glory, that He will hold true to His word and orchestrate everything perfectly.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Guys, I am soo stoked! Just to be able to live a life where I can have this AMAZING relationship with such a good good Father is astounding in itself. Then, to be able to give it all to God, to step out of my comfort zone and this “normal” life I have lived thus far, to completely relinquish my life to be used by the hand of God, and to share the breathtaking love with the precious people around the world, whom I will get to meet daily… it’s simply extraordinary. BUT! What is even more incredible, is that my Papa God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, He actually desires for ME to be part of His marvelous plans to share the Good News! Wow! Thank You, Father, for choosing me!!
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
John 15:16
