Runners Take Your Positions

The anxiety of expectation begins to course through my veins as the day approaches when I leave for South Sudan. For the sake of being exact, I have 40 days left to prepare for my 6 month long stint in Mundri, South Sudan. Fear begins to grip my confidence as I wonder if I will be useful there. Worry hovers above my head as I read stories about other missionaries of the faith and the trials they endured. Dismay creeps into  the back of my mind as I begin to count all the holidays, birthdays, family, and friends that I will not see for some time. In addition to these sources of doubt, I have only raised 78% of my goal. I still have to raise $2257. I have 40 days left.

However, as I meditate on these inadequacies and misfortunes I realize a simple fact that cannot be ignored. God is here and He is not silent. I can't help but be comforted by this fact. The knowledge of a Being who is above my control or understanding and is in it for my benefit sends my heart leaping for joy. There is hope. Although I can't see the big picture of everything that is taking place around me, I can only stand in awe of how He chose to love me when I feel most like a traitor. How can I not share this love with others? How selfish can I get? Check out the following verses for how God addresses my inadequacies (fear and dismay) and backs them up with five promises (highlighted in red). You could say God is giving us a 2 for 5 special!

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you;

   do not be dismayed, for I am your God

I will strengthen you and help you;

   I will uphold you with my righteous hand.