When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a detective. Mostly because I was nosey and wanted to be in people’s business (still do). In my teenage years, my dream changed to wanting to be a professional athlete due to my rising obsesession with volleyball. A few years later it changed to pursuing a career as a collegiate volleyball coach. Then it was a professor, then a barista, a writer, a wedding planner, a sommelier, an editor, dabbled in the idea of being an actress, then came to the conclusion I wasn’t actually sure what I wanted to do with my life.
Although I have a rather vast graveyard of dreams unfulfilled; one thing I never had a plan, desire, or interest in being was a missionary. Which begs the question “how did I get here?” The answer: abandonment.
Yikes. That is quite an agressive word, I know. But its not bad, I promise.
Following Christ is the best decision I have ever made, but its been no walk in the park.
It takes abandoning what we think this world has to offer to step into all that the Kingdom of God is inviting us to. Although my dreams may not have worked out, my reality is so much more than I could have imagined possible.
The World Race was something the Lord called me to when I had created the exact life I wanted for myself. Good job that paid the bills, perfect roommate situation, and living in the BEST city in America. It was exactly the path I should have been sliding into post-college according to society and I was killin’ the game.
Yet still, something lingered in my soul for a piece of the Lord I would never find in Austin, TX.
Thats the thing about God. He answers prayers. And in my prayer for deeper intimacy, He said okay!
Sell what you have. Pack a bag. Get on an airplane. GO.
There is always a level of abandonment when following the Lord. For some its your literal home; for others it may be that relationship, the weight of their opinion of you, or the security of your finances. If dependence on God is the purpose, our powerlessness is the ultimate advantage. The Lord may not set you upon the path of your own dreams (however many you may have) but there is nothing like living within the reality he does call you to.
Being a missionary was not the plan I had for myself and sometimes still think the Lord was crazy for calling me to this. However, He sees us so intently and knows what will set our souls on fire- and He certainly knew what was best for me.
Abandonment is the greatest action when it leads you to the feet of Jesus- taking a closer look on his characteristics of provider, healer, perfecter of our faith, and intimate friend. I want to encourage you to seek how the Lord may be calling for an abandonment in your own life and how you will respond when He does.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!
Wow, Amanda! It was so good to see you in Georgia! We are so proud of you for the “yes” you’ve given the Lord. What you have said about abandonment is very powerful. We’re sure He has great things in store for you. He is so GOOD! Love you!
Beautiful. I love how you have truly exemplified laying down your life for the Kingdom of God. May the Lord bless your obedience, and encourage others in this, too!