In one week I’ll be heading to Tennessee for training camp. I’ll finally get to meet the people I will do life with this next year! And in about 3 months (In Jesus Name) I’ll be leaving my home, family, friends, job, and all the comforts of America. A lot goes into preparing for the World Race; applying for a passport, getting up at 6am to go turn in your passport to have to come back three times before your seen, researching and shopping for the best but cheapest gear, looking up shots, getting shots, thinking and looking up fundraiser ideas, having the fundraiser, raising awareness via social media, sending out support letters, and of course who could forget blogging!
If you let it, it can really stress you out. And can I be honest? It did stress me out! I was filled with all this anxiety. I was worrying about meeting deadlines and when I’ll have the time to have fundraisers. Even though God revealed to me He would provide and was calling me to the nations I was relying on my strength and not His. I wasn’t seeking him in EVERYTHING. I wasn’t praying and asking Lord whats your will what do you want me to do. You think after learning something a billion times it would stick, but nope! I’m one of his hard headed children, and He continues to give me new mercies, patience and grace everyday. In the midst of “preparing” I realized I wasn’t preparing spiritually. What is the purpose of going into battle when you don’t have your sword or shield?
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17
I’ve said so many times that this trip is not a vacation, we don’t “Go” to just take pictures with the cute kids and to sight see we go to LOVE on them, to SERVE them and to show them JESUS. But How can I show Jesus if I’m not continually getting molded to look more like him? If I’m not dying to my self daily.
And let me tell you getting molded to look more like Jesus ….Sucks!
Yes, I said it!
It sucks and hurts and is uncomfortable. But is much needed and results in discovering a new depth to Him, a new love. When I think I understand His love for me, He shows me an even deeper love and affection. So I’ve been praying a lot lately for God to give me his heart, his eyes, to show me his will, to remove all the junk out of my mind and heart so I can accurately reflect him to people who might have never heard of him before. To prepare me spiritually.
Fundraising: When God called me to the Race he told me He would provide. If He said He would do what he does best then why am I trying to raise money? So I’m not. I am not going to fundraise anymore. What ever event God leads me to do will be free. So if I’m ment to do another yard sale or bake sale or a car wash then it’s going to be at no cost, I’m not charging for anything. If God moves on peoples hearts to give then awesome but I’m not going to put a price tag on anything. God revealed to me if I put a price tag on something than it limits what He wants to do and provide. To not focus on the amount but to focus on the peoples salvation.
Giving: Since getting accepted into the WR I started becoming more conservative with my spending…aka cheap. But doing so has hindered what I have always enjoyed doing, witch is giving. It is such a good feeling to go out with a friend and pick up the tab, or buy a little something nice for someone just cause. I absolutely love Christmas time because I get to buy for everyone. But the logical thing to do right now is to spend the money on gear, shots, plane tickets, ect. Me doing this is saying
“I got it God, I don’t need you!”
which is the farthest thing from the truth! God showed me several scriptures on giving but this one stuck out the most.
Luke 6:38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
To step out on faith I am going to give more, weather it be increasing my offering, donating to a fellow teammate or simply buying a coworker coffee.
Servant Heart: We all know Matt 20:28 where Jesus said He didn’t come to sit back and be served but to serve us. I’ve heard countless messages on this but it really hit home recently. How am I going to be able to serve the people in Africa, Europe and Asia if I’m not even serving my roommate?? It doesn’t start in January it starts now! At my home, and work and while I am out and about I am called to serve. Jesus said if you want to be great, don’t be like the high officials and exercise authority instead humble your self and become a slave. My pastor put it like this, if you are a leader, example a youth pastor, that just means you are first in line to serve. To lead you must have a servant heart.
Faith: Everything, I mean every little thing that we desire or try and do is surrounded by our faith. I will go on this trip and I will be fully funded and will not come home but I will run the good race, as long as I believe. Like wise with being healed, or having a baby and family, or finally getting that job. It’s all about faith. And when we ask we will receive (Matt 7:7) Our Father does not give his children a snake when we ask for a fish. (Luke 11) He gives good gifts. He LOVES us. Nothing can come between that love.
I truly see that now, and am so thankful to have the freedom to grow deeper in Him.
“So pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper I want to know your heart, I want to know your heart.”
As always Thank you everyone who is praying and agreeing with me about this trip. And of course thank you to the ones who have responded and partnered with me financially. You all mean the world to me and I am so grateful for you guys!
