I am frequently asked, “Why the World Race?” It is a decent question with genuine underlying concern: safety, effectiveness of short-term missions, cost, time commitment, motives, and more.
The one that stirs my heart most is:
Why should I travel to 11 countries in 11 months, when I could be spending that time investing in my local community?
Holy tension is brewing.
I am presented with two deeply good options… now, how do I discern the will of God? It appears challenging and complex, but the answer is surprisingly simple.
The right response to missional living is always obedience.
Not WHY or HOW… but yes.
Just — yes.
I am saying yes to the World Race.
Sure, I have many ideas of what community should look like, or church gatherings, or missions… but even my best idea is stilled by a genuine encounter with the person and work of Jesus Christ. His voice, sometimes unsettling at first, always brings peace that surpasses all understanding.
God’s will is that I say yes to him. Even when, especially when, I wrestle with my long-held ideals versus his everlasting, onmi- reality. (Duh. Silly girl.)
God is still speaking today.
Contrary to popular belief, God’s will is not an absolute mystery. His will is freedom from bondage. His will is invitation and shalom. His will is our enjoyment of Jesus. His will is our collaboration. God’s will is about ushering in the Kingdom of God now and forever. It is active. It is pursuing. It is always good.
We complicate God’s will when we make it about magical open and closed doors or best paths. Live, breathe, move, and walk in the Spirit. That is God’s will for your life. Listen and he will speak.
Ditch your good ideas and depend on God to move you deeper into your identity of chosen and adopted. This takes effort and practice. Not human effort, but holy eyes and hands and feet. Listen and he will speak.
Cling to these promises… and then claim more for yourself and your community:
- God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. (Ephesians 1:9, NLT)
- And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever..." (John 14:16, ESV)
- And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b, HCSB)
- And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28, NLT)
My prayer is that you spend time with Jesus today. Why wait for tomorrow, when you can have him today? Ask him what he is leading you to and listen. Meditate on the Word. Listen. Invite others into what you are hearing. Live it. Repeat.
* This blog post can also be found on my site at paigeharris.theworldrace.org