I am leaving on the World Race in 2 days…IS THIS REAL LIFE?!
As I have been trying to contemplate and prepare to leave the USA for the next 11 months, there are many things that I want to be able to remember while I am on the World Race. Here are 5 things (there are probably more but this is all I have for now!) that I want to remember throughout my time on the field:
1. I am not alone: Never. The community that my individual team and squad has formed already has been incredible. They are some of the most genuine, Jesus-loving, and servant hearted people I have ever met – and they are family. When situations get tough on the Race, or my insecurities become exposed where I start to break down – I know I can go to them for prayers and encouragement. Along with the community I will have through my squad mates, I have been blessed to have community back at home too. The support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, peers, professors, and acquaintances has been amazing and I am extremely grateful for the continued love and encouragement by each one of them. But above all, I want to always remember that the ultimate community (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is with me always – guiding, protecting, loving, providing, and sustaining me every step of the way.
2. Embrace vulnerability– vulnerability is hard to openly embrace. I want people to feel that they can rely on me – and that I will get things done. In reality, it’s hard for me to ask (or want) help when I feel like I have the skills, knowledge, and abilities to get tasks done. I want to remember that it’s okay to ask for help, and to cry out to God – whether it be through the little tasks or bigger decisions. I want to fully embrace vulnerability by letting go of my control and letting God (and the others around me) help me.
3. Find JOY in suffering – You’re probably thinking – why would she want to find joy in suffering? That sounds a little backwards right? Well in this world – yes. The normal reaction to suffering is saddness, anxiety, and pain. But Paul tells us differently.
In Romans, Paul explains why we should find joy in suffering:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance,; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:1-5
I don’t want to be surprised by suffering or persecution. Instead, I want to rejoice and be glad through suffering, and remember that through that suffering we gain hope – and that hope of the glory of God will never disappoint!
4. God still does miracles– I will admit, I have a hard time believing in the power of physical healing through prayer. There are times when I have doubt that people can actually be healed- and maybe I think this because I haven’t actually seen it with my own eyes. And even in the last couple weeks, I have avoided praying for people because of the doubt that I have that they can be healed. I want to remember that God still works in amazing ways, and just because I haven’t seen it yet doesn’t mean it cannot happen. That’s where faith comes in – and that is where my faith lacks. I pray that I won’t stray away from praying boldly for God to heal – whether it be for physical healing or even spiritual healing – and that God can help me overcome my unbelief!
5. Don’t let fear overtake you– There are definitely times when fear controls my thoughts and actions. There are so many things I have fears about, whether it be my intense fear of spiders, fear of falling from heights, fear of rejection, or fear of what the future holds. What I always want to remember is that there is nothing to fear anymore, because God has already defeated the fear in my life. Through whatever fears I have, God is with me always – constantly strengthening me with His power alone. He will provide for me daily, and I no longer have to worry about what I will eat or drink, where I will sleep, what clothes I wear, or how I will get from point A to B. God is the ultimate provider.
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
