Miracle Dollars

Here is a blog written by an Alumni World Racer Hanna Taylor .

She went on an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries.

The thought of coming up with $15,500 was sickening to me.

I was a single 24-year-old woman who, only 4 months prior, had invested most of my savings in my first home. But when God tells you to “Go,” you need not ask Him where the money will come from, but only trust that the Sovereign God of the universe has a plan. And who better to trust than Someone with the divine power to move in hearts and arrange circumstances in your favor?

It was uncomfortable at first. And I didn’t want to ask for help. I’ll admit…..I prayed for something easy. I hoped that going to a “mega church” would be beneficial in a situation like this one. That somewhere in their million dollar missions budget was a few grand for me, their faithful and fully-invested member. But it turned out that there wasn’t a dime for me. And, honestly, that stung a bit. God didn’t answer my prayer, but hear me when I say this: He did so much better than that.

He taught me that fundraising is ministry, and He gave me a platform on which to tell my story. I learned to approach every encounter like a purposeful one and every appointment like a divine one. I learned to be real with people. To get over myself and be bold for His sake. To seize every opportunity to share my heart for missions… more importantly,God’s heart for missions.

Now, 2 months later, here I sit with over $11,000 raised, and I dare say that fundraising has been a simply beautiful experience. To say that God has shown up is an understatement. Shown out? That’s more accurate. Not only have I had the incredible opportunity to see God move in my own life in great and mighty ways, but I have had the privilege of being a testament to others about His faithfulness, His provision, and His sovereignty as we follow His calling on our lives. Each prayer answered is an opportunity for me to proudly and publicly bless His name.

I am glad that what He has called me to do is out of my league. I am glad that I’m having to depend on Him for every dollar. I am glad that He has chosen to grow and stretch me in this way. I would not be the same person without it.

Just the other day, I was talking to my friend about how God has changed me through this experience. Worry, anxiety, and control are spirits that have plagued me since I was a young child lying awake at night worrying if I had forgotten to do any homework. I used to put my security in my bank account, my savings, and my retirement fund. Now when people ask me what’s next after the Race, I can confidently tell them…. “I don’t have a clue. But God does. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Satan never asks anyone to fully trust in God. He never prompts someone to take a leap of faith. He finds no joy in our complete dependence on God’s provision. So if you’re feeling prompted…. take the leap! The Lord will provide. I’m living proof.