Fundraising Fun

Trying to reach out to people and ask them to support me financially, and sharing my excitement with them is a funny thing. It makes complete sense to me to go away for 11 months to help people I’ve never met, but it is hard to define my motivation to others. It’s also hard to ask them to put their money in the ring for a journey that isn’t theirs. It’s totally contrary to the way my life usually goes. I’m normally the person who just goes with the flow and doesn’t have to ask for help. It couldn’t have come at a more unexpected time. It’s definitely been the main topic of my prayers lately. It started out as a challenge and turned into a question. 

My first thoughts were I can do this. I know so many people, how could I not do this. It was just a matter of if I could do it in the alloted time. It was all about what I can do and I quickly found I can’t do much. That’s when the questions began. God if the world race 11n11 is what you have for me why does this seem so impossible? God I think you picked the wrong one. Why me? Why now? If this is what you want then how?

This pandemic has thrown us all for a loop. People are losing their jobs. People are out of work for who knows how long. Schools have closed for the rest of the year, so even if someone does have work they now have to juggle working from home and taking care of their children. On the off chance that families are holding it all together, the last thing I want to do is ask them to support me too. That was my mindset. My small, human, doubtful mindset.

Then God showed me how misguided I was. He set me straight just like He did Job. He showed me through His word. He said “ Where were you when I created the world? Where were you when I chose how to fill it? Who are you to tell me who to use and how? If I choose you there’s a reason and I will make it work.” He made me realize that, even though it’s ok for me to ask questions, I have no reason to. He has done nothing, but provide for me and love me. When He calls He always provides.

One morning, I logged into my blog just to check and start writing a new post, expecting to see the same numbers on my donation bar. Another long day of praying and waiting I thought. Much to my surprise the numbers had changed. Someone anonymously donated $200. I was so stuck on how powerless I was that I couldn’t see just how powerful my heavenly Father IS! It took me a minute to wrap my head around it, but I now see I’m not in control. I wouldn’t want it any other way. God never fails! He’s the captain of my ship. His plan for me won’t either. Already He has provided financially through others, even in this chaos the world is enduring. I’m putting my hope in Christ. I thank Him for all He has done and all He is continuing to do. 

-Elizabeth