Training is officially over. Our coaches have left, or World Race (WR) coordinators have left and it has been an amazing week. We officially begin our ministry tonight in Pelenque, Mexico at a local church. (More on that later!) My team 5 Alive will be staying at Shekinah Bible School for 2 more weeks.
The last evening our coaches were here, we had a powerful squad meeting. WE spent time worshipping the Lord and listening to Him. During that time a friend shared a story that deeply moved me and spoke right to the center of my heart. I will never forget it;
A boy and his father were walking on the beach. It was the little boy´s first time to the beach. HE was enthrolled by all the new things to see and touch there! He started to gather seashells, most of them broken. The little boy was so excited with his treasures and gathered as many as he could cram into his little fists. He knew they were special and beautiful. The father smiled as his son extactically showed him the seashells.
They continued to walk up the shore aways, the boy stil clenching his treasures. As they looked out to the shore they discovered something….a starfish! The little by was even more excited than before. He looked up to his dad for permission to go reteive it. The father said, ¨Yes son! Go get it!¨ AS the boy approached the starfish his smiling face began to cry out in frustration! Unable to grasp the starfish he went back to his father sobbing loudly, barely able to breathe! The father encuoraged him and told him to try again. The boy, walking relunctantly towards the shore suddenly realized something. He must drop the shells in his hands to get the starfish.
The seashells were not bad for the boy, they were good. But…they were not best. God wants best for his children, not just good. Each of us are made for greatness. Ask Him what the broken shells are that you are clenching on to. Ask Him to clarify, it is worth it.After this story was shared with me, another dear friend wanted to encourage me further. Her mother and her love the beach and before she left for the World Race she was given a silver starfish necklace. Tara Stephenson reached up to her neck and unfastened this necklace she has not taken off since we left. The precious necklace was given to me to wear on loan, so that everytime I touch it or see it nI will be reminded not to keep the shells, and pray for the starfish.
¨The Lord your God is with you He is mighty to save. HE will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.¨ Zephaniah 3:17
