About a month ago I fully committed to go on the World Race! The World Race sends missionaries to 11 countries over 11 months. On June 4, 2019 (in less then 6 months!!!) I will be leaving for training camp!
Since committing to the World Race, I’ve been struggling with some fears. These fearful questions had ME questioning if I should go on the World Race. But God has been showing me truth through scripture and I am excited to share this with you! This post comes from pages out of my journal conversations with the Lord. Giving words to the feelings of fear, finding my underlying questions, and searching for the truth found in scripture.
Fears will probably continue to surface but I know what God says! God’s commands to not fear and promises that He will be with us occur time and time again in the Bible.
Sharing this is tough. I like to live with the shiny sticker of success without struggles. I pray that God will use this post to encourage your heart! If you are struggling with fear or need prayer please let me know! We can chat, pray, and grow stronger in the Lord together.
Much love, Rachel
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Fear: Who are you to decide that you should go on the World Race?
Did God even speak to you? Can you hear God? Can you hear correctly? These question my autonomy, judgement, wisdom, maturity, and faith.
Truth!!! God has put on my heart for many years to share His love, gospel, hope, and be a part of the world. God has called all Christians to be a light to the world. The World Race is the avenue that God has brought into my life. The Lord is already preparing the way for me to go!
Acts 13:47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
1 Chronicles 16:24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Fear: What if you are not Christian enough? What if you choose sin over God’s plan?
What if I’m doing this for my own selfish ambition? Some of my easiest sins include: Choosing to pursue people’s acceptance over believing God’s truth about who I am in Christ, trusting in my own knowledge, holding onto my desire for control (safety) instead of surrendering wholeheartedly to the Lord.
Truth!!! God has found me before and I believe God will find me again. Still so often I stumble! God’s love for me is not dependent on how often I wander. I believe that God sees my heart and desire to live in accordance with the Living Word. I am becoming quicker in returning to the Lord. I will continue coming near to God. <3
Matthew 18:12-14 Think of it this way: If a man owns a hundred sheep and one lamb wanders away and is lost, won’t he leave the ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go out and thoroughly search for the one lost lamb? And if he finds his lost lamb, he rejoices over it, more than over the ninety-nine who are safe. Now you should understand that it is never the desire of your heavenly Father that a single one of these humble believers should be lost.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Fear: What if the community doesn’t like me as me? What if I put on a mask?
It is easy for me to showcase leadership, easy friendship, ability to succeed, peacemaking, self-sufficiency, and as if I don’t have any problems. I know that people pleasing and desiring approval are tendencies!
Truth!!! While I am soooo excited to meet new friends (Hey, Fellow Racers!) this trip is not about what they think about me but wholeheartedly serving God and people. My value is not based if everybody likes me. I know there WILL be struggles living in tight community with people for 11 months. God has called us into authentic relationship with Him and each other. I have learned a lot about being real the last couple years!
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 …We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else…
Isaiah 2:22 Stop trusting in mere humans who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Fear: What if I’m not special? One among many instead of chosen as a team leader?
This questions my identity, pride, ability to submit or follow leadership, and where my safety and security are placed. It is uncommon for me to not be at the front, in leadership, or succeeding by the community’s standards.
Truth!!! If I am not chosen as a team leader my value is still in who God says I am! I may go the whole race without being in a “leadership.” If my heart is being led and molded by God that is all that matters.
Mark 10:42-45 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
