I love music.
While on the World Race, I have listened to a lot of music. One of my squad mates once said that she knew where I was because all she had to do was follow the music. I can appreciate and listen to every type of music because I firmly believe that each genre, song, and lyric communicates something different to the human soul. A single song has the ability to stir up emotions and thoughts that only that song can bring to the surface. Music is the language of the soul. Music is another way that the Lord communicates to us.
There has been one song in particular that I have listened to the entire World Race.
The song is called, “Your Hand in Mine” by Explosions in the Sky. This eight-minute song is completely instrumental. The amazing unity and progression of the drums, violins, and guitars creates an incredible body of sound. Every time I listen to this song, I am bombarded with a wave of emotions and thoughts.
As I close my eyes and listen, these are some of the thoughts that come to my mind. I am overwhelmed with a wave of gratefulness and appreciation for the life that the Lord has given me. I am appreciative of the fact that at any moment this breath may be my last. I am grateful because everything that I have and am is a complete undeserved blessing. Think about this. While we were still sinners Christ died for us! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!
Why do I tell you all of this?
This is why. Throughout the World Race, the Lord has used this song to constantly remind me that this is how I should walk with Him…Your Hand in Mine.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
The World Race is hard!
However, the Lord has permanently placed this verse on my heart. Everyday I have to fix my eyes on Christ. I cannot rely on my own strength. I have to rely on the Lord’s strength. The Lord wants to walk with us hand in hand. On the Race, there are so many trials and tribulations. I am not alone though! The Lord is with me. What an amazing feeling it is to be connected to the Source and rely on the Lord!
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
How sweet it is to walk hand in hand with the Lord and be connected to the Source!
World Race Update:
PVT with my mom and dad in Ecuador was incredible! After eight long months, it was so great to spend five days with them. Myself and 12 other Racers had the opportunity to reunite with their parents and do ministry alongside of them. My time with my mom and dad was short but fantastic.
This month, my team and I have been living in a suburb outside of Lima, Peru called Villa El Salvador. We have been living in a small neighborhood called La Encantada.
Our ministry this month has been house-to-house evangelism around the neighborhood, speaking at local churches, and performing skits at schools.
This month has been really hard, which is why I write to you about having to cling to the Lord for strength. Our whole team has been sick this month, our living conditions are less than ideal, and it is really cold this time of year in Lima, Peru.
Next month, my team and I will be living in Santiago, Chile. Ministry and other information to follow in the next blog!
It is crazy to think that I am finishing up my ninth month on the Race and embarking on the tenth! The Lord is so good and has revealed so much of who He is and the Man of God He wants me to become!
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
