The hostel begins to buzz with energy as the sun goes down. As everyone ramps up for a night at the local pub, a few random Americans find a small space of quiet to settle down.
They act like a family; they laugh and joke, and talk about their day, a few of them crack open their bibles. Then a new arrival to their meeting stumbles onto the scene – a drunken twenty-year-old backpacking through Ireland. Maybe you can see their 
jaws drop in shock, their eyes soften in love, and a few stifled laughs – one more story of "no one will believe this." One more story of a self-professed atheist who will, a few days later, accept a once ostracized Jesus into his heart. All because a group of strange Americans accepted him, regardless of his intoxication, into their bible study – into their family.
Another saved for God's glory – dumb luck, or God's will?
While staying at a hostel in Ireland, Katie Lossner and her team from H Squad (July '12) spent many late nights having conversations with strangers about God's love for each one of us no matter what. They feel they planted seeds that God will reap.
On the World Race, everyday circumstances often lead to the most memorable stories for the fact that God is in them – an annoying situation transforms a life because someone took the time to love, a moment of frustration becomes a story of God's faithfulness – a moment to decide that people are worth laying our worldly emotions aside for God's work to prevail.
What everyday circumstance could you view as more than dumb luck?
As the team opened themselves up to Ireland they began to see God in every moment, rather than acquiesce to believing in coincidental luck. God provides so many opportunities to touch someone's life and advance his kingdom. All we have to do is recognize and seize the moment provided.
Luck has nothing to do with how God uses us. It may not always make sense, and it may not always seem important or be convenient, but if we do our part he will take care of the rest when the time is right.
Whether you pray for a stranger, hug a child, sacrifice sleep to lend an ear for someone who needs to talk, or invite a drunk atheist to your bible study, God shows up when we acknowledge that he works in all circumstances. Ireland is deep in history of mistrust with the church, but it's also saturated with opportunity for change. These Racers are among the many that have been a part of that revolution in Ireland by responding to God's will and accepting their responsibility to love people.
Want to take part in God's beautiful will? Sign up for the July Route 4 and see what God has waiting for you in Ireland!
