God, I have so many options of paths to take in life right now. I know that there is one ordained by You. I know that You have a plan and purpose specifically for me and for this time in my life. I ask that you would make that purpose known to me clearly. I ask that You would show me where to go in life, that I would not be making choices blindly, hoping that they work out. I want to make choices confidently trusting You, that even if I don't know what You have for me, that I would know where You would have me. I trust that in time, You will tell me what I should be doing in the place I'm at. Lord, I ask for ears to hear Your voice and a spirit of discernment so that I can KNOW without any doubt that I am walking in Your will. I thank You for being a God of love who wants the best for His children. I am here, Lord. Use me!-July 11, 2011
I wrote the above prayer almost exactly 3 months prior to finding out about the Race. I had just gotten home from an amazing vacation in Hawaii. I had spent that trip praying about a job opportunity I had that involved moving to Seattle, and after a few days decided that moving was not part of God’s plan. I said no to the only job prospect I had after finishing school. Towards the end of that trip, I was invited to move to Hawaii and live with my friend there, helping her out with her kids in exchange for a place to live. I was processing that trip and praying out that opportunity when I wrote that prayer.
Three months later, after turning down several amazing opportunities, I signed up for the Race. Less than a month later, I was accepted and started this crazy journey. Now, here I am on February 17, 2012. I have made around 70 incredible new friends who are quickly becoming like family to me. I have learned more and more how good God truly is. I have learned that He provides for His children, especially in unexpected ways. I have learned how much He loves each of us.
Six months after writing that prayer, I can stand and say that God truly answered it. He gave me patience over the months of uncertainty. He gave me that spirit of discernment, and I was able to avoid some paths that, while not terrible, were not those ordained by God for my life. Then, when I finally did discover the Race, that spirit of discernment immediately confirmed that this was the direction I needed to go. He made my purpose known clearly, and He is allowing me to walk in it confidently.
I cannot tell you how much the last 3 and a half months have grown me. Since I was introduced to my new World Race family, I have been challenged in ways I would never have imagined by people I never would have expected to meet, all before actually starting the Race. I am learning to love people for who they are. I am learning who I am, and I am learning how God sees me. I am growing in my confidence as a daughter of God and a woman of Jesus Christ.
My new prayer.
God, you are doing so much in my heart right now. You are transforming my life in a beautiful way. Thank you for answering my prayers over the last few months, and for answering them in a way better than I could have ever imagined. Lord, continue to prepare me for this mission you have placed before me. Help me to love those I meet unconditionally, as you love them. Let me see them with your eyes. Build this squad up in unity, that we would be operating under Romans 12, as Your body and bride. Send us, Lord! We will go.
