Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
- ESV footnote for this verse: “Good in this context means being like Christ, enjoying close fellowship with God, bearing good fruit for the kingdom, and final glorification. It does not mean earthly pleasure.”
When I first decided on the World Race I knew it was going to be a journey that stretched me and pushed me deeper in dependence on Him. It’s what I wanted, and still want.
When I chose Route two I never thought I would meet a group of people who would become some of my best friends in 5 months, via the internet, but I did. What we quickly realized was our squad was extremely large and AIM was more than likely going to ask people to switch around to even out the numbers. About two months in I was talking to a squad-mate about the possible changes, we both said we would consider it and pray about it but would probably only switch if we were specifically asked to. My thought was if I was asked to switch the Staff would see something in me that would work well with a new group or be someone who could handle a switch. I was happy with that agreement with myself and God. Deep down I figured I would be switching things up at some point I just guessed it was going to be later on in the Race.
Fast forward about four months, four months of daily Facebook chats, late night Skype sessions, flights to Michigan to meet some squad mates, four months of bonding; to just a few weeks ago. The first email about the difference in squad sizes came and the AIM staff was asking for people to volunteer to switch squads. Then maybe a few days to a week later the second email came. Both times I prayed and asked God if this is what I was supposed to do. Neither time had I felt it was for me. So I stayed, still remembering the agreement I made, if I was asked, I would switch.
Then a few days ago I got a call from the mobilizer of another squad. When she told me who she was, my heart sank because I knew what was next. She explained all about the need to even out the numbers and how the staff has been praying about what to do and who to ask, when my name came up from my mobilizer, and they decided I would be one of the people they ask to consider switching. At that moment I knew everything was about to change. I told her about my agreement with God and asked where she thought I should be placed. “T-Squad, Route 4” she said. I trusted her judgment and accepted the squad change just a week before training camp.
What does a Squad change mean? The Squad is the group of people on your Route (list of countries). I changed from R Squad (Route 2: Ireland, Romania, Ukraine, India, Nepal, Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, Twain) to T Squad (Route 4: Romania, Ukraine, Ireland, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia) *not many country changes but a whole new group of people*
Truthfully I was heartbroken; I did not want to leave this squad who I had gotten to know over the last 6 months. The countries are a little different but that didn’t bother me as much as my loss of squad. But I wanted to be obedient and faithful to my commitment with God, even though in my mind it sucked right now.
After a lot of praying and talking with friends and wise counsel I realized I would not be losing a squad, but gaining another. I would now have that much more community, that many more people praying, that much more support and love over the next year.
This change is making me fully dependent on Him; the one thing I could plan on was the people I had gotten to know. Now, the only thing I can plan on is the faithfulness of God.
According to Romans 8:28: All things are not working together for my comfort and earthly pleasure. All things are working together for the deepening of my fellowship with God and the furthering of the Kingdom through my fruit.
That’s the whole point right?
R Squad, You have truly blessed my life and grown me closer to God. I am excited to follow and support each of your journies.
T Squad, I am beyond excited and ready to fully join your family. I know that the Lord had HUGE plans for this squad. I cannot wait to rep that orange with you at Training Camp in a few days!
