Walking by Faith, Part 1

Hello everyone!

If you haven’t had a chance to read, “A Much Bigger Reason“, please do so. 

As I mentioned earlier, I never pictured being a full-time missionary. I’m just a girl who was adopted from Guatemala, raised in North Carolina, and later decided to move back to Guatemala. 

But now, I can see how God is impacting my life and how He is using my life to impact others, whether that’s sharing my stories or testimonies. I promise you, lives are being changed and recently I’ve understood the importance of being obedient to Him and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it” to things that sometimes don’t make sense…

But then, days, weeks, or months later, I can see what God has done with my “Yes.” Because He sees the bigger picture and He never fails. 

Making an Important Decision

Not long ago, I had to make a decision that would truly change my life. 

Basically, I had two options. The first was to leave Guatemala- pack up everything, say good-bye to friends and family, and move back to the United States. The second was to start my own nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) and continue living in Guatemala.

I had about a month to think and pray about the decision. I shared it with others, explaining the choice I was facing. Some people were excited and encouraged me to start a new nonprofit organization. Others, however, didn’t quite understand and asked many questions. 

The Questions and Concerns

Some people would say, “Really? That seems too much, why don’t you just come home and get a job?” I would respond with, “I know, this is the perfect opportunity for me to leave Guatemala. But I don’t feel like my time has come to an end.”

Some people would say, “Why don’t you find another nonprofit organization to work with? Aren’t there plenty in Guatemala?” I would respond with, “I know, but I really want to continue working with the same families in this village.” 

Some people would say, “Do you really want to start a nonprofit organization? Do you know how hard it is and all that it requires? It’s not as easy as you think.” I would respond, “Yes, I know that it will require a lot, and I feel like this will take my faith to the next level.”

All of those questions felt completely valid, giving me every excuse and reason to wait- because I’m too young, it’s a challenge, it costs money, etc. But I knew God was calling me to something bigger because He reminded me of His faithfulness. 

He reminded me of why the passion was placed in my heart in the first place. He reminded me of how He has provided and met my needs. He reminded me of the relationships I’ve built in Guatemala over the past three years- with the families in the village and through hosting missionary teams from the United States. 

Walking by Faith

During that month of thinking and praying, it was hard for me to decide what to do. Like I said, some people were completely supportive and encouraged me to start a new nonprofit organization, while others asked questions and offered advice out of love, wanting the best for me. 

One day, while I was stressing over this decision, I felt God say to me, “Stay. Your work in Guatemala is not finished, and I need you to be obedient to Me, even when others do not understand.” 

Ever since that day, I felt peace about starting a nonprofit organization and staying in Guatemala. 

Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In Conclusion

God has taught me the importance of being obedient… Sometimes what He asks us to do won’t make sense, won’t fit our timeline, or won’t look picture-perfect. Listen, there have been times when I’ve said, “Yes, I’ll do it,” and it doesn’t make sense at all. 

When God would tell me, “Donate to this person or family. Buy this family lunch. Pay this person for their time,” I would try to bargain with Him and give every excuse of why I shouldn’t do it. But ultimately, He won!

It’s not my job to control everything and worry about the future. Because in Philippians 4:19, it says “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” 

Be sure to read the next blog, “Walking by Faith, Part 2”

XOXO,

Madison Archer