“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25, NASB). Taking a gap year in the middle of college was never my plan. I thought that I would get my degree in four years, hopefully study abroad one semester, and move into the business world. Thankfully, God has shown me a different way—the way of surrender. I first decided to follow Jesus when I was five-years-old, but it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I became willing to fully give my life to serving Him. One of the blessings of Covid-19 was that it broke my expectations and shattered my dreams. It forced me to realize that living for myself, striving for what I want, leads to death. Now, I want to make it clear that it was never wrong for me to have dreams for my life. Simply, it was wrong for me to put my plans before God’s, or to expect that God will give me what I want for myself. In the process of wanting what the world offers (comfort, success, etc.), I was losing myself.
However, the question remains, “Why a gap year?” Simply put, the Lord called me to go. I knew when I first saw the words “gap year” on a mission website that God wanted me to leave my plans behind and go share the gospel. During this season, a Bible verse that has pressed on my heart is Matthew 9:36-38, which says, “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest”’ (NASB). People don’t know about Jesus, and they need to. They need to hear of the hope and life that Jesus offers them. I heard the hope, received it, and surrendered to Jesus. I am God’s worker. Christians, you are God’s workers. Let’s get to work.
(Note: The “work” we do as Christians is sharing the good news, not forcing it. Only God, through His Spirit, can bring someone to know Him. Therefore, we need to share the good news while relying on the Spirit.)
God Bless You Sophia –
Being totally sold out to Jesus is truly what it is all about – I know Jesus will continue to bless Him as you follow His Leading –
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Meant bless you as you follow His Leading
So happy to hear that your trip is fully funded. God is good!
Pleased to meet you Sophia.
Isn’t it wonderful that more than two thousand years ago, you were prayed for by Jesus and His disciples for a time such as now.
We cannot wait to walk this road with you.
See you soon in Georgia,
Your coaches,
Brad & Chantel