A few months ago, I wrote this question in my journal…
“Why do you keep pursuing me?”
I struggled with that question and more importantly, my identity and who I was in Christ. I struggled with the simplicity that it's because I'm loved. Passionately and furiously loved. How? How are God's affections for me so great? I struggled with the concept that He was trying to shape me into a Godly man. Sure, I knew what that looked like in others…but as far as myself?
Hmm.
Slowly over the first three months on the race, God started to open my eyes…and in turn, give me His.
It hasn't been easy though. I've fought it. I've kicked. I've screamed. I've ran (mostly up mountains).
Why? Stretching is HARD.
But so, so worth it.
It was worth it to feed the homeless. It was worth it to preach in a prison full of scared little boys. It was worth it to see two women come to Christ because of God using me as the vessel they needed. It was worth it teaching a man who had NEVER heard of Jesus before about His love.
You see, God was there the whole time. Cleaning out the clutter and throwing me into the fire of His love. With each burn, a piece of my flesh falling to the side and the attributes of Christ growing in the void. Where I saw death, He saw a garden. Where I saw hopeless, He saw a light.
I'm that garden. I'm that light.
And so much more…
Like that I'm the salt of the earth. I'm chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. I'm part of the true vine. I'm enslaved by God. I'm a joint heir. I'm a temple and a dwelling place. I'm a saint. I'm His handiwork. I'm a citizen of Heaven, sealed in heavenly places. I'm a partaker of a heavenly calling. I'm one of God's chosen living stones. I'm an enemy of Satan. I am NOT the Great “I AM”, but by the grace of God I am what I am…which is a new creation.
And it's beautiful.
So, God…thank you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you pursuing me. Thank you for chasing me when I didn't want you to. Thank you molding and stretching me more and more into your image on a daily basis. Thank you for the act of sending your son for me. He became so I could become. I love you.
The World Race has been an incredible journey for me. The images I've seen are forever etched into my heart. Coming up on April 1 (which is in a couple days) is my next financial deadline. Currently I'm around $2,500 away from the $11,000 needed. If you would like to partner up with me on this journey you can do so by hitting the “Support Me!” tab on the left or by clicking HERE.
