Where to even begin with the epic-ness that was training camp?! The only thing I can say right now is God is so good. God is so real. He is alive and moving and speaking. He is transforming lives and it is such an honor and privilege to be a part of His redemption plan!
If I had to describe camp in one word, I would choose beautiful. God tore down walls, loosed chains, healed broken hearts, spoke words of love and grace, exposed selfish attitudes and called us deeper into the depths of His presence….all in one week. God is moving. My mind is blown away by the work that the Holy Spirit began in my life at camp. And I saw healing come to my dear brothers and sisters on my squad. SO BEAUTIFUL. And folks, this is only the beginning. God started something so incredible at camp and I am confident in this: God finishes what He starts. He is faithful and will not relent until He has me. Praise the Lord.
We were asked to write a blog about what we wanted a future racer to know about training camp. I am hoping that it will not only encourage a racer, but everyone and anyone who reads this!
So.
Dear Future Racer,
Do you have doubts, fears, insecurities about this? Are you hurting? Do you have a past? Is your heart weary, broken, hard? Do you have addictions, unhealthy habits? Are you feeling inadequate?
Perfect.
You are exactly where you should be.
God has brought you here for a divine appointment. God has brought you safely to camp for very specific purposes. If you desire God to meet you and reveal Himself to you, He will. Open yourself up to the work of God in your life. Let him begin to cut away the lifeless branches of your soul. Let the dead leaves of your heart fall away, that new ones would grow. Be ready to be broken. Allow this process of healing to begin. Bring your junk with you. Be honest about who you are, where you've come from, what you've done. It may be painful. It will be difficult, yes. Oh but the beauty that comes from letting go! The freedom that you will receive because of His love and grace and mercy will cause you to leap for joy. Allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate and ignite your innermost being. Let the truth of who God is and the reality of His all-encompassing, perfect love overwhelm you. Opening yourself up to His reality is FREEDOM. Then, only then, will you be able to see yourself as God sees you: LOVED. CHERISHED. FAVORED. And once you know who you are, the love you have for those around will be completely transformed. Because you have come to terms with who God is and who you are because of His love, you will look at each person through a new lens of love. Neighbors, coworkers, friends, enemies, mothers, fathers, the oppressed, the oppressors, orphans: God longs for them, just as He longs for you. Incredible. Coming to terms with that reality is absolutely devastating in the most profoundly beautiful way. The world groans for the love that you now know. The world waits in agony for the restoration and healing only God can bring.
So.
Are you in?
And if you're not a racer, are you in?
Is this what you desire for your life?
"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
God will show up. Again, God is faithful. Be confident in this!
P.S. Here is just a glimpse of what camp actually looked like! Enjoy!
