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Jenilee is a mom and a missionary who does crazy things like running marathons and moving to Africa. You can read all about her adventures at http://ourgoodwinjourney.com/ or check out some snapshots of her life on Instagram.

This is the second part of a two-part post. You can read part one by clicking here.

Fast-forward two years to college.
A guy who was called to be a boots-on-the-ground, full-time career missionary in the hardest places of Africa.
A girl who was still telling God (and the guy), “No.”

Today, that guy and that girl (me), after 11 years in fulltime children’s ministry stateside, are learning French to go to a West African country where 94% of the people have yet to hear that God loves them. Preparing to speak the name of Jesus in harsh places, far places and hurting places.

After offering God every single excuse I could muster, after routinely repeating the “Lord, don’t send me!” prayer, after having made up my mind that I could not be the person who could leave everything to go beyond… Here I am.

Whispering daily, “Lord, you’ve sent me… Equip me. Strengthen me. Show me what you can do through me as I submit willingly to your quiet urging to go.”

Just as God had an answer for all of Jeremiah’s excuses in Jeremiah 1, God also had an answer for all of my excuses.

Jesus was the answer.

The answer to my fear. The answer to my weakness. The answer to my faults. The answer to my limited ability. He was the answer.

I can go and follow and live beyond so all can hear because He is the answer.

Jeremiah 1:7-8 says, “But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.”

And like Thomas A Kempis said, “A man’s true progress consists in denying himself and the man who has denied himself is truly free and secure.”

I’m learning that in denying and going, I’m finding true freedom and security. I’m discovering true joy and strength. In obedience, I sense my Provider, my Protector and my Savior in ways I’ve never before sensed His enduring presence.

And I stand in line with those who have gone before me, walking the path of greatest resistance for those who must hear the Word of the Lord. We go, in faith, knowing that not only is God with us, He is empowering us to live each day in His purpose, in His plan and in His strength.

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