It’s here. Launch. I’m literally sitting in my hotel bed a day away from departure from the U.S. How in the world did this get here so fast?
So many thought have been running through my head these past few weeks and I’ve had trouble getting them out onto “paper.” I’ve been thinking a lot about the 12 disciples of Jesus. Here I am, having been preparing for this adventure for almost 10 months. And I’m still a little nervous and fighting off the old habits of wanting to be in control and know everything. But the disciples – they were the true adventurous ones. Jesus came to them and said, “Come follow me” and they left immediately. As I sat struggling with how to pack my backpack for days, yes days, I realized that the disciples dropped their nets and followed Jesus that instant. They didn’t pack their huge 70 liter packs and leave a while later. They left then. I know that that isn’t practical for this trip but oh to have the faith to see Jesus and immediately trust him like that – when he calls me to drop everything and listen to him and follow where he leads me this year, I will.
I have also been thinking a lot about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary knew Jesus in a way no one else did. He literally was part of her. He grew in her womb and she raised him. Mary witnessed the years of Jesus’ life that no one else knows about. God handpicked her to be the mother of JESUS just like He handpicked each and every one of us about to go on this Race. Mary thought and pondered what God did, and she hid it in her heart. She knew the heart could be deceptive and by hiding things of God in her heart, she was guarding herself against the lies of the enemy. Mary held joy of being Jesus’ mom in a way no one else could.
Mary also felt a unique pain as she watched Jesus, this baby she had born, the son she had raised die a painful gruesome death on the cross. And three days later, she and Mary Magdalene were walking to the tomb and they encountered an angel who told them that Jesus wasn’t dead – He is risen. And Matthew 28:8 says, “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy.” I read those words on New Years Day and they just spoke to me. The mother of Jesus heard her son was alive, and she was afraid and filled with joy – she had mixed emotions. And Jesus met them there, in the midst of their mix of fear and joy. And he will do the same for me. Fear of the unknown combined with the joy of seeing places I have never been. Jesus will meet me in the midst of all my emotions and calm the storm like he calmed the waves on the sea. He will go with me.
So here’s to a year of pondering the truth, hiding it in my heart, and walking with Jesus.
***My next post will be from the Philippines so be on the lookout! I love you guys!
