I confess I am not always the sharpest bulb in the shark tank (a phrase used often in our household and coined by our daughter Hannah). Sometimes it takes an act of God to get my attention.
My close friends and family know that I have longed to go back to Burkina Faso, West Africa since the day I returned home from my first trip. Unlike my first experience, I had no reservations whatsoever about making the trip. I had complete faith that I was supposed to go and that God wanted to use me to love on the beautiful people of that country.
For some of us, a mission trip requires a little fundraising. On my first trip, I was terrified of fundraising. I made a list of family and friends to send letters to and then marked through names when Fear and Doubt reared their ugly heads. Once I settled on a list of names, I waited two months to mail the first letter.
I decided that my next trip would be a different story. When the dates were announced, I made my deposit immediately for fear that the available spots would fill up quickly. I sent letters out to family and friends the day after our first meeting. I made plans for a yard sale and was ready to put this fundraising thing to bed.
So I had a yard sale at my house and made a little money. Nothing exciting, but every little bit counts, right? I thanked those who made a purchase and told them the purpose of the sale. Then my co-workers suggested that we have a yard sale at our office. They donated their own items (because they rock) and suggested that I advertise the purpose of the sale. Admittedly, I had some reservations about that. I honestly didn’t think that people would care.
But to my surprise, people did care. Strangers encouraged me, hugged me and told me that they would be praying for me. I was blown away by the kindness showed that day and even more since then. Family, friends, and acquaintances supported me in unexpected ways. In my vanity, I thought God was going to use me to impact lives in Burkina Faso. It never occurred to me that he would use people in my own community (strangers and friends) to impact me, to love on me.
I have learned two important lessons through this process: 1) I continue to be amazed that the author of all creation loves me and will use anyone, anytime, anywhere to reach me and 2) If my Heavenly Father calls me to serve Him in any capacity, He will equip me to do so. My planning and human efforts will never be enough, but I can trust that He will give me what I need to fulfill His purpose.
I stand amazed in the presence
of Jesus the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me,
a sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful
is my Savior’s love for me!
fear-less.me 