If I was asked to sum up WR Training Camp in one word it would be “oxymoron.” My week was challenging, uncomfortable, hard, emotionally draining and yet incredible, joyous, refreshing, and life changing. The phrase “total surrender” has a deeper meaning in my heart knowing the WR is going to be an even greater extension of this oxymoron.
In summary, I came away from camp with two important lessons. The first is that the Father delights in spending time with His sons & daughters. For a majority or my life I have lived saying God is my number one priority. Over the past couple of years this statement grew shallow, as my lifestyle began to reflect something different. Recognizing that God delights in the process of our maturity was a big wake up call. The World Race is not about helping impoverished people around the world, God could do this by other means if He so desired, it is about spending extended, undivided time in devotion with my Father who loves me dearly.
The second lesson I learned this week at camp is that God uses broken people to witness to broken people. Every single person on U squad was chosen with a purpose and divine calling to this time with the Lord. We each bring unique talents and gifts to our squad, but more importantly we bring a story of past and current brokenness. As we are healed and overcome our struggles by God’s grace, a new joy is replaced in our hearts. This joy and grace that we now have can be used for God’s glory to illustrate redemption to broken people everywhere we travel.
As I woke up this morning and had my quiet time with the Lord I was captured by the lyrics of the song Oceans by Hillsong:
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”
I want these lyrics to be my prayer as I look forward to beginning my personal Race with God this September.
In Him,
Sarah
