It’s been a busy past couple weeks with Christmas, traveling down to California and work at Wild Waves. But now I am finally back in my currently quiet college house, in Washington.
On Christmas I got to go to my parents church for the first time since their move. It was a really great church and I especially loved their pastor.
His Christmas sermon was about Jesus in Hiding and it really connected with me.
He was talking about how God entered the world, through Jesus. He was born in a manager, behind a hotel, with the world around ignorant to the fact that the Messiah had been born.
He said that if something as miraculous as the virgin birth of the Messiah were to happen today people would laugh it off and find every reason to disprove it.
Today’s society is so ready to find a hard and true reason for everything, a reason void of God. They miss that it’s really Jesus in hiding.
God working in the world.
His sermon connected with me because I have done that very thing he talked about. I have looked at a situation and completely missed God. Completely missed him moving in my life.
When you apply for the World Race they make you write a lot of short essay answers to questions like Are you ready let God move in your life?
But this moving doesn’t start when I leave on September 4th.
The moving has already begun.
It’s been happening all throughout my life, I am just becoming aware of it now.
I am getting better at spotting God’s movement.
But more than ever as I prepare emotionally to go on this trip I have seen God take my doubts and fears and turn them into a journey through his word that has taught me about trusting him.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
(If you are ever looking for a great daily bible study devotion I highly suggest Solo by: Eugene H. Peterson.)
With the new year upon us, we are faced with a time of reflection on the old year and hopes for the new one. A time to look at our life this far and see where God has been hiding, where he changed us and a time to look forward to what God has yet to do in our lives.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-12
A note on trip preparations!
Have you met Ted?
This is Ted!
On our way to California I picked up my backpack! The most important gear item I have to get!
I have appropriately named him Ted Two. (Ted One being my car.)
For Christmas I got my tent and sleeping bag!
Getting gear is incredibly exciting and just makes the World Race seem even more real!
Here is a picture of Indio in front of the manager on Christmas Eve just for fun!
