-God is so good!In the trials and trouble, in the peace and the struggles,His unending love never fails-He is faithful.
Today I am at 50% funded, with 73 days to go, a fundraiser coming up next week but often times it feels unreachable . This is a different style entry than I have normally been posting, but I wanted to be honest and open with the struggles of fundraising so His glory shines through.
Something someone said when I started this whole process was “the people who are expecting to support you won’t, and the people you were least expecting will be the ones who will be the most supportive.” that has been completely true of this process. The people I was most expecting to be supportive, have not been and some quite the opposite. But some people that I have only seen a few times if ever that I would have least expected, have come through and blessed me in such incredible ways. They definitely have shown me the impact God makes on people outside of my circle, and what it is like to be on the other side of answering God’s call.
I often look on the Israelites and get so angry that they had such tangible ways the Lord showed up for them and yet they still doubted. Yet I end up being like the Israelites all the time and it has been showing up within fundraising, and relying on Him! There has been so many times that He has come through and chosen to provide for me and never leaves me stranded, but yet those things can easily fade away in the face of doubt. God is so good and patient with me.
Lately the moment I choose to actively and sometimes verbally give fundraising to him ( since my whole life is being put on hold and changing for this) He has shown up and blesses me in so many ways. The other day when I was praying and sharing my thoughts on being so hypocritical towards the Israelites and truly giving it to him within 48 hours I had raised $400. He has shown up in the very small intricate things, like the other day, my car declined at a coffee shop because of some money transfers that were going on and the barista took care of a $15 breakfast and coffee. Then yesterday I was buying supplies for a fundraiser at Hobby lobby and there was an incredibly long line (I had been standing and checked out) and the cashier had already moved onto the next customers, and I realized that I had not paid for some posters. When I told her that, she told me that I had to go to the back of the line and the ladies directly behind me, literally scanned my items and said to have a good day,just so I wouldn’t have to get back in line!!
My Father is the God of big and small. I can easily compare myself to other people going with me on our trip and see how much they have raised and get discouraged. some are incredibly far ahead of me others behind, and He reminded me this morning that this is a faith journey for all of us and looks different for every single one of us. I have asked God to allow me to be 100% funded before I leave so finances won’t be a distraction during the trip, and because of how much it does weigh on me. But! He thankfully can see the bigger picture and knows what I need, and how my faith can be strengthened. He will provide in whatever manner He sees fit.
Overall, I am thankful that this process has been the difficult way, and that so much faith and reliance on the Lord has been cultivated throughout trusting him on such a big endeavor, regardless pf people telling me that it’s not feasible. All of fundraising proves how nothing is an obstacle to God, even $18,000. I was previously stuck on how kind God is, but the past couple weeks His faithfulness has truly been my favorite part of His character to learn more about.
So many people, including friends, family members, even AutoZone! Have donated for the upcoming fundraiser next week!
Thank you all!!!
