The World Race is over! THE race is not.
As I leave the race, my heart is so full of gratefulness towards my Papa for allowing me to experience His amazing plan for me this past year. He is so good!
Even though I went through some of the hardest situations of my life, I can say it was well worth it. It drew me closer to my Father’s heart. It taught me to trust Him more. It drove me to true dependence on Him. But the race wasn’t only full of hard situations. I experienced so much joy that often I thought my heart was going to explode with it. I laughed a lot and had those days of being wild, adventurous, fun, and free!
Through serving and loving others, my spirit became more alive than it has ever been before. I learned to live more in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, more in the fullness love, and more in the fullness of who I am as a son of my Father.
I learned more about and experienced love, honor, confidence, serving, Jesus the Bridegroom God, the Holy Spirit, the fear of the Lord, and the Lord himself!
I drank a lot of coffee. No, I drank A LOT of coffee! …oh that was random!
As I look back and can now see more of the big picture of this past year, I can see truly how good and intentional my Father really is! He really does work things out for the good of those that love Him. God was so intentional with placing me in leadership this entire year even though I hadn’t asked for it. He was so intentional in placing my co-leaders around me. He was so intentional with every situation he took me though that tried my patience and love for others. He was so intentional with placing me in ministries that grew my spiritual gifts! He is so intentional!
This year I learned to lay down my expectations and the only thing I could expect, was the unexpected!
I love what God did in me and through me this year. If I’d go back to last year and again have the option of whether to go or not, I would choose to do it all over again knowing what the end result is! It was worth it! I come away from this race a different person than before. Not only did my life have an impact on others, my life was changed as well! Praise God!
But this is not the end. The World Race isn’t the only thing in life and it was never meant to be a highlight in our lives. I feel like it’s only the beginning of many kingdom journeys that I am destined to be a part of. It’s a launching pad! I believe that God has so much more for me than just the World Race. Yes the World Race is an incredible journey, but it’s not the only one. There will be many more and that’s what gets me excited!
All is for His glory! Apart from Christ Jesus, we are nothing. The World Race is nothing. It is only because of Him that I could do what I did this past year. He didn’t need me, but He chose to use me. Wow! I’m continually blown away by that idea!
Not only did God bring me a lot of joy this year, but this is what He says about me as well. He says, “You bring me joy!” What an honor!
It’s not about me…It’s all about HIM!
(Mountain biking in Nepal)
