So the intimidating £1,000 fundraising goal for this mission trip is a figure large enough to make my head spin and tummy churn each time my mind wanders upon the thought. However, 3 months in and with just over 3 months remaining, God has worked in so many wonderful ways in a situation where, honestly, I would have fallen flat on my face if I was left to endure it alone.
The aim of this post really is for it to consist of encouraging words for the other SM2014 members that may find the Fundraising concept challenging, but also for those who think that an area of weakness is something negative. So let's view it as a Barnabus spot, shall we?
The thought of Fundraising for me was initially such a burden that I almost allowed it to prevent me from signing up to go; the single factor that drove me away from this thought was the challenge of living dangerously for God this year. I mentioned this briefly in my last post. Since there are a few new aspects of my life quite recently that require ongoing funds, the fact that I don't have a job and therefore assured, regular money flowing into my account seemed a whole lot more daunting! However, it has taught me several valuable lessons in a very short space of time.
1) being that money management is so important. Perhaps saying no to things that sound appealing to you but won't be all that beneficial and prioritising the things in life that you're willing to invest in even if you're not sure where that money is going to come from.
2) relying fully on God will bring about success. Praying and letting Jesus be my first resort when my worries have gotten the better of me has shown me very explicitly that even the most absurd concepts can become reality.
3) being active in a space of vulnerability or weakness. Not knowing when/how much money will be coming my way at first made me become quite reserved. I started doubting the things I was investing both time and money in and allowed in to make me become quite passive. I soon realised this was the wrong way to go about it. The decision alone to become more active in seeking money opportunities has resulted in me being blessed with them, that much is evident to me. I've found myself surrounded with open doors and very generous people these past couple of weeks that have increased the change in my savings account considerably.
It's clear that God has been walking alongside me throughout this whole process, beginning to teach me the things that I am ready to learn and assuring me that living dangerously for Him brings about opportunities that a) I would never have been exposed to and b) I would never have even considered taking had I been exposed to them. So my encouragement to anyone reading is this; if you ever find yourself placed with a task that seems unachievable and just plain terrifying, take it firmly by both hands! When you seek God first and foremost, he's going to equip you with everything you need, and at the precise moment that you will need them. Its highly likely you will learn some pretty valuable stuff along the way too...
Sarah
The aim of this post really is for it to consist of encouraging words for the other SM2014 members that may find the Fundraising concept challenging, but also for those who think that an area of weakness is something negative. So let's view it as a Barnabus spot, shall we?
The thought of Fundraising for me was initially such a burden that I almost allowed it to prevent me from signing up to go; the single factor that drove me away from this thought was the challenge of living dangerously for God this year. I mentioned this briefly in my last post. Since there are a few new aspects of my life quite recently that require ongoing funds, the fact that I don't have a job and therefore assured, regular money flowing into my account seemed a whole lot more daunting! However, it has taught me several valuable lessons in a very short space of time.
1) being that money management is so important. Perhaps saying no to things that sound appealing to you but won't be all that beneficial and prioritising the things in life that you're willing to invest in even if you're not sure where that money is going to come from.
2) relying fully on God will bring about success. Praying and letting Jesus be my first resort when my worries have gotten the better of me has shown me very explicitly that even the most absurd concepts can become reality.
3) being active in a space of vulnerability or weakness. Not knowing when/how much money will be coming my way at first made me become quite reserved. I started doubting the things I was investing both time and money in and allowed in to make me become quite passive. I soon realised this was the wrong way to go about it. The decision alone to become more active in seeking money opportunities has resulted in me being blessed with them, that much is evident to me. I've found myself surrounded with open doors and very generous people these past couple of weeks that have increased the change in my savings account considerably.
It's clear that God has been walking alongside me throughout this whole process, beginning to teach me the things that I am ready to learn and assuring me that living dangerously for Him brings about opportunities that a) I would never have been exposed to and b) I would never have even considered taking had I been exposed to them. So my encouragement to anyone reading is this; if you ever find yourself placed with a task that seems unachievable and just plain terrifying, take it firmly by both hands! When you seek God first and foremost, he's going to equip you with everything you need, and at the precise moment that you will need them. Its highly likely you will learn some pretty valuable stuff along the way too...
Sarah
