I’m listening to Beth Guckenberger talk about “reckless faith” and how she learned to say “yes to God’s assignments that outsized [her].” In other words, she’s lived a life of such faith that, even if God’s asking something of her that exceeds her capacity in whatever way, she says “yes.” As I talk to Beth (one of the perks of being an emcee means I connect with great speakers!), she tells me how much she travels. As someone who does not enjoy travel, I tell her about my canceled flight from Charlotte and how I’m still not recovered from that feeling of being stranded overnight. She told me about all her tricks for sleeping in airports—even in locked airport bathrooms. I was horrified. I was also amazed. She cheerfully quipped: “It’s the missionary spirit!” I thought about her life and how she’s raised in total 11 children whether adopted, fostered, or biological. She regularly takes on assignments that outsize her, in unsafe places, with uncomfortable surroundings.
Earlier, I listened to a speaker talk about how he’s at his best when he’s desperate. He pulls me aside and says that the older he’s grown, the more he’s realized his need for Jesus. At 70 years old, he needs Jesus now more than ever.
I’m growing in my ability to say “yes” to God even if what He’s asking of me will deplete me financially, emotionally, or physically. I’d rather be exhausted and sick with Jesus than healthy and comfortable without Him. When I think about life in this way, I’m able to do harder and harder things. In fact, I’m writing this from an airport, one of my least favorite places. I’m here. I’m doing it.