Leap of Faith
Sometimes we get subtle hints about what God wants in our life. Other times, it’s a swift kick and an undeniable sign that He has other things in mind. Let me share with you my recent not-so swift kick.
I have shared with a few of you about the anxiety I was having in regards to my Brazil trip. As a first time mission traveler, I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out if my frustrations were centered around my false expectations or if there was, in fact, an underlying issue with the trip. As the time progressed, my anxiety became frustration as I felt the team wasn’t connecting. Others felt the frustration as well. Before I knew it, the team of 15 had dwindled down to 7. I tried to understand why God would have led me to a team that caused me to question my purpose and potential success of our trip. I prayed. A lot. I sought out others who had traveled, who had led, who understood the process. At the end of the day, I found myself in a situation that made me uncomfortable and I wanted to withdraw from the team. I knew that I had supporters who had already given to me financially and a plane ticket already booked. I knew that the team leaders would be burdened by the last-minute change. Ultimately, I had to be true to myself and “pay attention to the tension”. I drafted up a few emails, and this past Thursday, I withdrew from my Brazil mission trip.
When those emails went out, I had no backup plan. I had spoken to a few leaders from other teams and learned very quickly that all of the mission trips scheduled to leave this summer were full and teams had already been formed. The best I could hope for was trying to get into a trip for later this Fall. I was especially disappointed to hear that a team traveling to Haiti was already full. One of my frustrations with Brazil stemmed around the idea that I wasn’t convinced we would have the potential to make a difference. Haiti, on the other hand is in desperate need. There are countless ways to bring God’s love to that devastated country. As much as I loved the idea of traveling to Haiti, I was willing and open to go wherever God wanted me. If I was going to travel this summer, I had to have faith that God would work it out.
Boy, did He ever!
Less than 24 hours after withdrawing myself from the Brazil trip, I get this text message:
“Guess what?! We have a spot on the Haiti trip for a female. One of our team members is no longer able to go. Are you still looking for a trip?”
I literally jumped up from my desk and screamed out loud! If that was not a huge sign from God, I don’t know what is! I, of course, immediately said yes. Within a matter of minutes, I had become a member of a team that will be traveling to Haiti from July 31st-August 6th. Although, the details of shifting my financial support and canceling a very expensive Brazilian plane ticket are still up in the air, I am confident that God will continue to make this happen.
This Haiti trip is proof, yet again that God is in control. I will now be serving alongside a team made up of amazing friends and to make it that much more special, I will be celebrating my birthday while there. The change in vacation time at work was unusually easy. I have no explanation as to why my company was easily able to give me the time off when there is an extreme shortage in coverage. That spot on the Haiti team would have been filled within minutes. If I hadn’t sent out my email the day before, I may not have not been able to give the instant answer that they needed. I can’t help but believe that I had to show God that I was willing to take a leap of faith in order to show Him my commitment to this trip. So far, the details of this new trip are coming together seamlessly. Please pray that God continues to work this out.
I know as a supporter, you may be uneasy with the unexpected change. I have to assure you that God is in control! I am working with GlobalX to transfer every penny of support that has already been pledged. I assure you that you are still contributing to someone who knows and trusts that God has big plans for this mission trip. I am more confident than ever that this is exactly where I am supposed to be going this summer. Thank you for your continued prayers as I work out the details of such a huge change.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.