Training Camp is a weird time in life for any World Racer. You aren’t exactly on the field yet. But you aren’t at home either.
Perhaps the hardest thing for most is not having any idea what to expect. It doesn’t matter how many blogs you read or how many videos you watch, you will still show up to Training Camp and quickly realize that you are completely clueless.
And that’s where the fun begins.
Now I’ve been on my fair share of mission trips. Living in tents, taking bucket showers, and eating bizarre food community style (i.e. 8 people digging their dirty hands into one plate in the middle of the table) doesn’t faze me. However, there was one thing about Training Camp that kept me (and continues to keep me) on my toes.
The Spirit.
Training Camp emptied me of a lot of things. It was a beautifully agonizing time of giving things up and letting things go.
I had been clutching things. Good things. But in doing so, I had been occupying room in my heart that belonged to Jesus Christ.
It was painfully refreshing to stand with my arms outstretched, worshipping Christ and laying down everything at His feet. It was equally thrilling to be surrounded by so many other kids my age glorifying Jesus without reserve. Together we were sacrificing all that we had and all that was in the way of King Jesus.
|
But I didn’t leave Training Camp empty. All the Spirit was asking me to do was give up the plastic beads that I had in my hands so that there would be room for Him to give me priceless gems by the truckload I had spent so much time asking God to fill me up with more of the Spirit. And He whispered back to me, “There’s no room. Empty yourself first, and then I will have space to flood your soul.” And flood it He did. God longs to pour out His Spirit who is able to supply us with all that we need to fulfill His mission on earth. But we cannot receive His gift when we are still depending on our own strength. He eagerly waits for us to renounce our flesh, and receive the power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead. And let me tell you, the victory, beauty, love, grace, joy, hope, life, and faith that the Spirit brings is indescribable. The “sacrifices” that I was called to make faded into insignificance compared with the surpassing glory of being possessed by Jesus Christ my Lord!
And now the world better watch out for this team of dauntless chicks determined to follow the Spirit and breathe Christ’s breath of life into enslaved souls. I can’t wait to see how the Spirit will move in the lives of all of us on this team! Thailand, here we come!
|
