Malaysia was a different kind of month for me. I felt as that God was saying it was to be a month of ministry to one another. Over the course of this month, I was very blessed to spend time with women on our squad that I don’t often get a chance to be around. Through these times God built lasting relationships and taught me a lot about his love and the power of sharing our testimonies with one another.
As I was nearing the end of my time in Malaysia, God spoke to me about the gifts he has given to me. Even before the race began, I asked God for gifts of speaking in tongues and prophesy. I wanted these gifts so much and honestly was a little jealous of those who possessed them. One night during worship God clearly showed me that every gift is from him and none is more important than the other. He told me he had given me the gift of encouragement and a heart for “the least of these”. What a blessing it was to realize the things that come most naturally to me and bring the most joy are God’s gifts to me!
In Thailand, God taught me a that He is a God of relationship. As I was surrounded by statues and shrines to Buddha and other gods, I was reminded that no matter how fervent the prayer to them, these gods cannot answer. I am so thankful that I serve a God who wants me to come to him with all of my joy and sorrow. He shares in my joy and helps to bear the sorrow. I am thankful just being in his presence brings joy and peace. Most of all I am thankful that I don’t have to do anything special or be anyone other than who I am. He desires to spend time with me just as I am.
As I close out Asia and head to Africa, I would sum up my race thus far in four words: identity, freedom, joy, and peace. I do not know what Africa holds, but if it is anything like what I have experienced so far I look forward to every minute of it.
