A Closing Chapter:
“We have now arrived to the Miami International Airport. Please remain seated until the captain has turned off the fasten seatbelt sign,” the stewardess said.
After what can be described as an unexpected emotional rollercoaster of eleven months, my feet finally graced upon United States soil. My squad arrived at the baggage claim and the final goodbyes and individual departures commenced.
As my heart soaked in this moment, I was at complete peace saying goodbye to the World Race and my squad. My heart was content ending this chapter of my life. I gave everything I could towards the World Race.
I laughed. I cried. I gave up hot showers, comfy beds, a closet, and my family behind. I traveled to 14 countries! I ate some amazing food. I rode in a bus for over 89 hours. I never stopped sweating in Cambodia. I swam underneath a waterfall in Myanmar. I went bungee jumping over Victoria Falls in Zambia. I went on an African safari in Botswana. I went sand boarding in Peru. I could go on talking about things I did this year, but that isn’t important. The real importance is what the Lord did this year!
He transformed me into a Man of God. He broke me down. He built me back up. He showed me that this life is not about me. He made me utterly dependent on Him. He answered prayers. He revealed to me how much He loves people and wants us to do the same. He revealed to me His truth, grace, love, and a multitude of His characteristics. He brought hundreds and hundreds of people to Christ. He gave me a voice, testimony, and passion to share His Word and guide people to Him.
The World Race was the most transformative period in my life. I will never forget the things I saw, experienced, and learned over those eleven months. I will never be the same person. I am not sad that it is over. I am happy because it happened.
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John. 3:30
A Blank Canvas:
The Race has come to a close. So, what’s next? Several months before the Race came to an end, I started to pray about specific things to the Lord. Things that I have been constantly praying for are:
- Strong Community
- A Mentor
- A Godly woman and relationship
- A Job that unites my Passions and Talents together
- Ministry and Travel opportunities
- Continued Pursuit and Hunger for the Lord.
I continue to surrender these things over to the Lord knowing that He has already answered these prayers. I trust the Lord to guide my steps and direct my path. I am ready to be interrupted and respond in obedience. In the meantime, I am enjoying being home in the Burgh, playing with my nieces & nephews, and delicious home cooked meals! I do not know the next step in my life, but I am excited to see what the Lord has in store!
A Constant Source:
Over the course of the World Race, you have very little control of most things. Ministry plans often changed. You never knew when your next meal was going to be. Traveling from place to place was never easy. Your day to day was never the same. The only constant on the Race was the Lord. I would not have been able to complete the Race without the Lord. The same statement remains truth today and forever.
“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
Our relationship with the Lord must always be the focus of our lives. Nothing should come between our oneness with God. If something has, we must get rid of it. Our relationship with the Lord is never perfect. There are always areas where we can grow. In that statement remains my greatest motivation….grow.
I have only scratched the surface of the deep intimate relationship the Lord has in store for me. I could not be more excited.
Each day is a new adventure. And each day we must fix our eyes and remain connected to the only one true Source (Psalm 1:1-3, Jeremiah 17:7-8)
To my readers and donators:
It has been an absolute pleasure sharing my story and experiences these past eleven months to you all. Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and praying. You played a significant role in my growth and transformation. If any of you need anything, do not hestitate to contact me! ([email protected]) Thank you for allowing me to have the experience of a lifetime and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!
“But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ Then the disciples said to each other, ‘Could someone have brought him food?’ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.’ John 4:32-34
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
