I’m not going to lie to you.
Most people think the Race is this wonderful, exciting, action packed, picture moment life.
Part of it, is that. Maybe not to the extreme, that all the pictures make it out to be. But it is exciting. You do get to see some amazing things. You get to see God provide and show up in AMAZING ways!
You get to serve the least of these. People that most would never want to serve.
And your life will never be the same.
All those things, are exactly why so many people, myself included, go on the Race.
Because they don’t want the “normal” life.
They want to make a difference.
And that is great. The world needs more people like that.
I just want to encourage everyone. Future world racers, or anyone wanting to make a difference in the world.
The enemy hates you.
I don’t mean to scare you.
But its true. The bible says that the enemy hates all christians.
I truly believe though, that Christians who are passionate about change, or very involved in loving God’s people, or pursuing God harder than ever before, are targets.
This month, month 6 of my race, has easily been the hardest one yet.
This month, I have been attacked by nightmares. Horrifying dreams of family members dying, and demons.
I have seen a man hit by a car. Actually by the car I was in.
I have had so many lies thrown at me. Lies about my worth, my purpose. Lies that no one noticed or cared about me. Lies that my team didn’t love or even want me there.
These lies come at me so strong,and so numerously, that I have a hard time not believing them. And they never stop. It is almost a constant battle. These are all lies, that Jesus set me free from months ago.
So, it is so frustrating to be in that place again.
I also, have been sick a lot this month. I don’t know what I have, but it sucks.
I get exhausted after a walk. Or really anything I do. I get headaches almost daily, and feel feverish often.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to have a pity party. Actually, please don’t pity me.
That is not why I’m writing this.
I’m writing this to tell you all, that spiritual warfare is real.
It is so real.
It has been so hard to not call my parents and beg them to get me home.
Because I know home would be easier.
I know at home, I will not have to deal with this sickness. (African doctors aren’t very common, nor are their offices)
I know at home, I won’t have these dreams.
I know at home, I would be able to distract myself from these lies.
Home, would be so easy. So safe. So comfortable.
But Jesus told me I can’t give up.
He said, that the reason I’m getting so attacked is because I’m about to have a break through. I’m becoming a new person. A stronger one. A person dependant on God and nothing else. A person, who is passionate and not afraid of anything. A brave new being.
And the enemy hates that.
It scares him.
And he is trying everything he can to stop me. To scare me away from freedom.
To discourage me from the life God has made for me. From my promise land.
And I almost gave in. I almost said yes to the lies. I almost called my coach and said “I want to go home now.”
I almost lost all of what God has for me.
Almost.
But, I refuse to give up!
I will not trade my inheritance for comfort.
I am not weak.
And I can do this.
I am not backing down. No matter how hard it gets. No matter what I have to see. No matter how many times I get attacked.
Even if I have to crawl.
I will keep going.
So, to all incoming racers, and worldchangers, and people passionate about pursuing God and his plan.
Don’t you give up.
It will be hard.
You may get attacked.
You may be hurt.
You might see something horrible and question everything you thought you knew.
You may be on the end of your rope, or your last straw.
Don’t give up.
You are not weak either.
You can do it.
If you’re anything like I was before I left, you are probably thinking that you would never in a million years, even consider giving up. That it would never get too hard for you.
Just know, I said the same thing.
Hard times will come.
But giving up is a choice.
Also, know that you cannot do it without Jesus. He has to be your cornerstone.
Your strong tower. Your refuge.
You can do this. What ever it is God has called you to.
Keep running after it.
Keep seeking his face.
Keep fighting the good fight.
It is worth it.
Eternity is your reward.
Jesus will satisfy all your needs.
His grace is sufficient for you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
