Chasing the American Dream

Chasing the American Dream

“The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position ”

                                                                                    -James Truslow Adams (1931)

For the past several years, I have been increasingly chasing after the American Dream.  Everyday it seems like I desire more STUFF.  One of my greatest weaknesses is finding those great deals / bargains and convincing myself that I NEED it.  Over the past couple of years I have found myself consumed by increasing my 401k, investing in a house, paying off a truck, buying more and more tools, going through bikes that cost more than peoples cars, and yet I knew that these things would never satisfy my need for Christ.  Life had changed from chasing the American dream to living it. 

David Platt writes in his book Radical:

“We stand amid the American dream dominated by self-advancement, self esteem, and self sufficiency, by individualism, materialism, and universalism.”

Most of you have heard my story going to West Virginia looking at taking a job that was going to double my salary, give me federal benefits including amazing retirement, and secure employment.  It was during that trip that God opened up the doors again for a long-term missions opportunity to share the gospel with Palestinians through a unique, strategic ministry.  When I was contemplating the decision all the things that I had acquired became barriers once again for me to fully obey Christ.  

Preparation for a ministry and my new adventure has been exciting over the past couple of weeks.  At first I threw my self a pity party telling myself that God could not really ask me to give up all these things.  I worried about if my STUFF would be taken care of and in perfect shape once I get back.  Slowly, the Spirit convicted me of several things through the process and after I started selling things I felt that burden completely lifted.  God provided me with people to buy almost everything that I have and the rest I have been blessed to give to family and friends.  What a relief!

In Mark 10, Jesus tells the rich young man to go home that he lacked one thing.  Jesus tells him to go sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and he would have treasure in heaven.  And then He said then come and follow me.  Jesus has asked us to come, follow me, trust in me, abandon everything that you have for me. Before I go to much further let make a note that it is not wrong to have nice things, own property, or have a 401k.  But if those things keep me from fully obeying Christ then they must be trimmed back or cut off in order that fruit may be produced. 

Little did I know when I started processing and thinking through these things I had a friend recommend reading a book by David Platt called Radical.  This book has been amazing in reinforcing my decisions and has helped challenged me greatly in my relationship with Christ.  It has been instrumental in helping reminding me of my single purpose on this planet: extend His glory to ends of the earth. 

Platt asks some hard questions throughout his book and makes some great challenges.  I encourage you to ask yourself these questions and then invest in the book Radical and see where God takes you.

Do we really believe that He is worth abandoning everything for?

Do you and I really believe that Jesus is so good, so satisfying, and so rewarding that we will leave all we have and all we own and all we are in order to find fullness in Him?

Do you and I really believe Him enough to obey Him and follow Him wherever he leads, even when the crowds in our culture – and maybe our churches – turn the other way?

There a lot of things that I can do on my own.  I could even move to Palestine and try to do everything on my own.  But what would life look like if I got past imagining what I want to accomplish and ask God to do what only he can accomplish.  As for me I have less than 4 weeks before I leave and I cannot wait to see what God going to accomplish through my life.  

IS BLOGGING OLD TECHNOLOGY

People are telling me that blogging is a thing of the past.  So in efforts to stay connected with friends and family I have worked on creating a newsletter update through mobile/email.  To sign up the newsletter update follow the link to sign up.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

Thanks

Colby

WELCOME!

Hey Everyone,

Glad that you found your way to the blog.  Blogging is not going to be my favorite thing to do but is a great way to update people and to process through what I am thinking and going through in life.  As most of you know I am transitioning to Palestine (on FEB. 19) very shortly to work for an organization called Paidia.  I am very excited for the opportunity to work abroad, experience a new culture, and hopefully see many lives come to know Christ.  

As for now, I am in full preparation trying to learn a new language, enjoying hobbies while I can (cycling in 40 degree weather - yey), doing some program research, and all the fun logistics of moving to another country.  

For the first post I figured I would leave you with a couple of photos of the area that I will working in along with my official support letter.  Thanks for visiting.

Dear Friends and Family:


Shalom!  I hope that you are doing well.  The past couple of years have been a roller coaster full of great opportunities, 
disappointments, challenges, and life changes.  Most of you are aware that over the past couple of years I have been trying to figure out “what I want to be when I grow up” and find the “perfect” job.  I have traveled the country interviewing for positions and finally came to the conclusion that “perfect” does not exist.  



This past summer I was blessed to travel to the Tibetan area of China and interact with some amazing people.  My life was changed dramatically as a result.  First, I realized how blessed I am to have such a supportive group of family and friends.  Secondly, while I was in China I felt that God would open doors someday for 
long-term missions opportunity in the future.  Finally, I experienced an unreached people group that has never heard the gospel of Christ.  

The months after returning have been quite challenging at times.  Here’s a run down of events that happened in October and November: finished my 3rd rehab on my knee, finished a half marathon at my best time yet, approached with a missions opportunity, interviewed for various jobs receiving a job offer from a VA hospital.  


While on a trip to Washington D.C. to consider taking a position with a Veterans Affairs hospital, I received a phone call from the founder of the organization that approached me several months ago about serving in the Middle East.  He alerted me that they needed someone to fill in at the beginning of year due to a terminal illness.  I initially turned down the opportunity a long time ago due to ongoing knee problems.  My mind was racing with confusion over the uncertainty and direction for my future.   As I was sitting on the plane, I opened my devotional book A Guide to Prayer going through the daily reading, which happened to be Mathew 4 (Temptation of Christ) and Matthew 28 (The Great Commission).   The confusion and anxiety seemed to clear quickly as I was faced with three choices:  pursue the American dream and a 401k, stay content in Arkansas, or live a “radical life” following Christ.  


Sometimes I think I get so caught up in trying to make the right decision.  It can become frustrating processing through the tough questions: “God where do you want me to go? “ “What do you want me to do?”  “God should I choose this place or this place?”  Sometimes it’s not the decision that is the most important but the process it takes to make it.  It has been frustrating at times because I wanted God to write, “GO” in the sky but there was never that sign or voice.  I believe that sometimes God will use you anywhere you are willing and there is not always an obvious calling but it’s the process that is important.  Several friends have pointed out to me recently that out all the opportunities that I have had my heart has never felt at peace with them.  The process of making such a big decision has reminded me that I must completely abandon everything that I am and want to have to truly follow Christ. 



At the end of February, I will be transitioning from Northwest Arkansas to live in the West Bank, Israel working for Paidia International Development.  Paidia uses experiential education programming (ropes courses) to engage individuals (primarily youth) with ethical leadership development empowering them to transform themselves and their communities.  The organization has many programs including a small group ministry geared to younger Palestinians, recreation therapy services for people with special needs, community service events and life skill education groups.  The underlying goal is to help Palestinians develop conflict resolution, communication, problem solving, and relationship skills.  This is an amazing opportunity to serve and work with Palestinians living in the West Bank using my experience in recreation therapy and ropes course facilitation.  With limited time to prepare, I am asking you to consider joining my support team in prayer and financial contributions.  Paul writes in Philippians regarding his support for his ministry:

 “Not that I seek gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit … the gifts you sent (are) a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen.” (Philippians 4:17, 18-20)  It is a tough decision to step out in faith in the midst of a struggling economy asking for support.  My target monthly budget is $1425 and every one time or monthly support gift greatly helps.  Financial support will be managed through a church supported third party organization (Missions Enablers International) based out of Northwest Arkansas so that there is not a connection to my work with Paidia in the West Bank.      All gifts are tax deductible and more information can be found with this letter on how to pursue supporting me financially.  


Thank you once again for your prayer and support as I embark on this exciting and challenging journey.  I would love to schedule time to meet with you about how you might play a role in ministering to Palestinians.  In addition feel free to contact me regarding any questions that you might have.


For Him,
Colby Webb