~”Training camp for the World Race is one of those things where in order to fully grasp it you’d have to experience it for yourself.”~
If I were to describe it to you, it’d be like this:
CHAINS WILL BE BROKEN.
Get ready to be stretched in every area of your life. NO JOKE.
You will experience growth emotionally, mentally, physically & spiritually.
You will leave restored but on the same time you will go through a deep healing process.
*YAY EMOTIONS!* (cough,cough)
But is it worth it? Absolutely.
For those who don’t know I was supposed to launch for the World Race in September but the Lord had other plans.
The very first time I came upon the World Race I knew without a doubt that it was the next step the Lord wanted me to take. I was led to go in January.
But *yay for flaws* (not really) I became impulsive and was like “I’m not waiting till January, I’m going in September.” Ha! God knew this would happen…but gratefully everything that happened next turned out for good even though it felt like hell going through it. *yay for growth & lessons!*
SO YES. I’ve been to training camp twice. And both times, it was life changing.
First Training Camp for September
The first training camp I went to was full on therapy. I had no clue what I was walking into…but the Lord knew. I never had realized how damaged I was until I went through those 10 days. Many wounds that I had buried deep began to rise up to the surface.
I now see that God allowed me to attend this training camp in order for my healing process to begin. God made it so clear in so many ways that it was not for me to leave in September. I tried running, hiding from the things I knew He was asking me to do, I went through an intensive spiritual warfare, but I couldn’t ignore His guidance any longer. I chose to obey.
~Honestly so much happened that I would have to write a book to include it all.~
But long-story short:
God ended up changing my whole plan.
I ended up in Florida to restore my relationship with my Father. On top of that, many relationships were removed from my life. The pain of rejection was deep.
Some new relationships were also placed into my life. They challenged me greatly without even knowing it. Through those relationships old childhood wounds and issues rose up to the surface. Issues that I didn’t even know were there.
All of it just came, after one little simple prayer to God
“I surrender my whole life to You, do as You please.”
My whole world that I ever knew began to collapse. I’m sorry for my words but IT WAS HELL. God was the only one I was able to go to, to receive comfort. The enemy attacked me so many times with his lies. But through the chaos God was there. He was my strength and my refuge.
As soon as I returned to Georgia I went straight to Training Camp #2.
Second Training Camp for January
The word I would use to describe my second time at training camp would be: “Ordained.”
I stepped into this training camp BROKEN.
I realized a big difference in my character and heart compared to the first time I was at camp. Although broken, I was humbled more than ever.
From the conversations,lectures, sermons, moments, squad, team…etc
All was ordained.
*So grateful for my prayerful squad!*
There were times I would actually pinch myself to see if this was real life.
It all became obvious why God didn’t allow me to leave in September. Thank God I chose to obey when I was so close into doing my own way and ignoring the Spirit’s guidance.
I came to know the Lord in a whole other level. The Holy Spirit as well.
The uncomfortable healing process continued but deep down I knew that Joy was very near.
Others who would pray over me without knowing my situation would confirm what the Lord had shown me.
I got tested in ways that stretched my Faith like never before. He has taught me & still is teaching me to rely fully on Him and to know that He truly satisfies.
Fear has always been my enemy and it crippled me many times throughout this camp. It was a battle between “FREEDOM” & “BONDAGE.” But in the name of Jesus, chains were broken.
God placed me into a painful preparation. But every bit of it, was worth it and is worth it.
The freedom of believing that I was worthy and loved began to sink in. I left this camp finally understanding God’s love for me.
Healing is a process and it continued after I had left. But as each day goes by Joy grows, Fear dies and my Trust in the Lord becomes stronger.
I can gladly say that I am set free and that there is one true God who transforms.
*Two words for training camp: Life Changing.
~ Rest in the process ~ He is setting you free. <3
–Faithlynn Joy
