The fundraising season is a weird one to navigate. Everyone talks about it, trying to prepare us. However, I didn’t truly understand until I found myself in the thick of it. There are a series of emotions and challenges I anticipated coming up, followed by a whole other series that came straight out of left field.
This season has consisted of many things thus far– determination, hope, questioning, apprehension, discouragement… you name it. Alongside this rollercoaster of emotions, it has also consisted heavily of learning more about the character of my Father. The Lord has revealed himself and spoken to me more gently than ever in this season of fundraising, and a lot of the time it feels undeserving. I often ponder what I did to deserve such a gentle, kind Father. Someone who knows my inner thoughts and what burdens I’m carrying before I can form the sentences to express them.
Knowing that the end of fundraising and the beginning of pre-field training is quickly approaching, I’ve found myself caught in a time of uncertainty as things are quickly changing around me. To be completely transparent, there have been many days that I have felt discouraged that my goals are not where I thought they would be at this point in fundraising. This discouragement has led to many moments of overthinking and becoming afraid of both how and when this season may end. God being the loving Father he is, has seen these worries and provides the most gentle reminders of His presence. I had come across a verse from Deuteronomy that caught my attention a couple of weeks ago and knew immediately this was the Lord’s way of reminding me of a few things: 1) He is closer than I realize 2) He has a path planned specifically for me and my journey.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
The entirety of Deuteronomy 31 focuses on the Israelites and the time of change and uncertainty they find themselves in as they prepare to transition to the land the Lord had promised their ancestors and prepare for a future dependent solely upon the promise and guidance of God. As Moses’ time of leadership was coming to an end and this change among the Israelites was commencing, he left them with a reminder of encouragement that the Lord will go alongside and before them to help fight their battles/ enemies, as well as fulfill His promises and faithfulness no matter the season.
While I do not find myself in the same shoes as the Israelites, I do believe that their situation and the encouragement Moses meets them with is one those in the fundraising/ pre-departure process can take away from. God has already gone before us in this season of preparation and is right alongside us in moments of uncertainty. Being a Goer relies on trust in the Lord and His promise and guidance. Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites reminds us that the promise and presence of the Lord will not cease under any circumstance. Let His promise and presence lead you in strength and courage to persevere through times of change and uncertainty.