Embracing the Uncomfortable – It’s Worth It.

A knot forming in my stomach. A lump lodging in my throat. Anxieties running through my mind. What’s causing these reactions in me?

Ministry partner development. Support raising.

As a missionary, I do not receive a normal salary. I am 100% funded through ministry partners. But like most Americans, I was raised to be independent and self-sufficient. Asking people for help, especially in finances, goes against something ingrained deep inside me. It is hard. It is awkward. It is uncomfortable.

But it’s worth it.

And I have discovered a few reasons why:

• Dependency on God. While independence and self-sufficiency is something America values, God loves when we recognize our need for Him.  If I tried to do ministry in Romania on my own power, I would eventually fail. Instead, I am learning to depend on him before I even leave. As he provides ministry partners, I can become more confident in his faithfulness.
• Glorifying God. Ministry partner development requires me to meet with people, and in doing so I am given the opportunity to share about God. My desire is to glorify God and the work He is doing in the world. It is a privilege to join God’s work, and it is only because of Him I am able to go.
• Connections. This whole process really is about partnership – building a two-way connection. I am sharing about my ministry, but it brings me joy to hear what God is doing in the lives of other people too.
• Provision. It is ultimately God who provides – and He does so in ways greater than I could imagine. He knows exactly who will join me and how much will be provided. He provides the finances. He provides the encouragement. He provides connections from different seasons of my life. I am continually in awe of how God has already provided, and I trust he will faithfully continue to do so.

This is the uncomfortable God has asked me to embrace because it’s worth it. It might look different for you, but what is the uncomfortable thing God is asking you to step into? Be encouraged – if he has asked you to do it, he will faithfully bring you through.