God, I am feeling more and more like I am coming into my own as a World Racer. That this is what I am meant to do. At this time in my life. In this season. You are not only calling me up and out of all that I am going through at home, but You are calling me to something there. New relationships. New experiences. New eyes. And a new focus… me. For so long, my life has been about others… shepherding them, lifting them up, carrying them through, walking alongside of them. And God, this is who You made me to be. I am most alive when I am merciful and walking through this life with others. I fully believe Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Absolutely, 100%. Anyone who knows me has seen this, I am confident in that. This is who I am, what I do, and who You made me to be. But now, these next six weeks that I have left here before I leave are for me. They are mine. Not selfishly or pridefully, but to take care of myself so I am spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy when I leave on January 10th.
Daily, I am learning to let go of the things and people that are letting go of me. Daily, I am investing in new relationships with the people on my team. Those who are soon going to become such a great part of my life, not only for this season of 11 months, but for the rest of my life. People who I will take pictures of, tell stories about, build memories with, and remember always. Daily, I am seeking a deeper communion with You as the Holy Spirit since You dwell in me and are leading me to go. I am going on the World Race baby!!! And this season is about You and what You're going to do in me, through me, and to me. Lord, this is my life!!! This is my adventure. My mission. My faith being put into action. My time and talents. My team. My season. My heart. My life lessons. My new eyes. My blessings. My calling. My anointing. My purpose. My holy pursuit. God you have done so much to bring me to this place now. To abandon my life for a year, go to the nations. Right now, it still seems like an “awesome adventure”. But I know it will become so much more than that. Missional. To reach the nations. The people who were created in Your image who have no hope. Or those who have just been so marred by sin and the nature of this world that they do not know about or how to have the restored glory that You bring. I pray that because I am there, because I go, more than adventure and seeing Your world You created, may my excitement and heart beat for the people. To see Your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. That those wouldn't just be words, but my heartbeat. To love the least of these. To restore faith, hope, and love to people who are alone. That because my team and I go, because we had that conversation, because we listened to that person, because we laughed, because we prayed, because we were unafraid, because we gave that thing away, because we sang that song, because we held that child, that Your Kingdom would come here on earth as it is in heaven.
Isaiah 61 has become my daily prayer. It must!!! That is what my life is to be about. God, You have anointed me… to preach, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, to release from darkness the prisoners, to proclaim the Lord, to comfort those who mourn, to provide for those who grieve, to bestow on them beauty, gladness, and praise. That they may display Your splendor and rebuild, restore, and renew their own lands even when my team and I leave their country. I'm not just going for me… I'm going for them.
