This blog is taken from an excerpt I journaled earlier today, chronicling my experiences thus far at World Race Training Camp. It’s raw and uncensored, but I believe that God designed us to live life this way, not under the control of “religion,” but under the reign of Him! Let’s just say, God’s been HARD at work in my life. This week has been trying, and I have no doubt that there will be difficulties to come, but today has been so fantastic, all because of a serious MIRACLE God performed last night. Let me tell you about it!!!!
July 17, 2012 – Journal Entry – Training Camp – Toccoa Falls College, Georgia
Last night I had one of the greatest “God moments” of my life! After the sermon, I found myself BEGGING the Holy Spirit to consume me. I knew my attitudes of doubt and discouragement this week needed to vanish. I needed to be full of assurance that I’m doing what God would have me do! As I prayed, I felt little assurance. I found myself feeing somewhat more content, but wanting more. I kept begging God, knowing that He could fill me with the Holy Spirit and in that He could use to me to do anything for Him! I began to feel alone and so I prayed that God would send someone filled with the Holy Spirit to pray over me and impart some of what they had into my spirit. I can not force tears. Ever. But as Aly, our lead trainer, laid her hands on my shoulder and began to pray God’s blessings on me, I felt tears streaming down my cheeks as my entire being felt bathed in an indescribable presence. I kept begging God to push deeper into me, to completely fill me and then to let His spirit overflow onto my teammates. I’ve never felt more sure about singing a worship song in all my life! I began to sense God leading me to pray for Josh, one of the definite dominant personalities and natural leaders of our squad. This went on for a while before I acted, and I continued praying, asking God to confirm who it was that I should be praying for. Josh would not leave my mind. The phrase, “Mighty Man of God,” would not leave my mind, and finally I moved to the front of the room to where he knelt. I put my hands on his shoulders and began, “God, make Josh a Mighty Man of God someday,” and Josh literally hit the floor. I had no clue what was happening, but as he sobbed, I continued praying that God would fill him, use him to heal sick and lead people to salvation. Josh sat up and said, “Mighty Man of God, huh?” I said, “Yeah, that’s what God keeps saying.” He said, “That’s the same thing my Mom called me.” We were both stunned. This morning, he explained that when he was asking his mom about how she felt about him going into the mission field, she had told him that God had told her he would be a Mighty Man of God, someday. Throughout the night, I kept asking God to lead me to people who needed prayer. He lead me to Justin, Shelli, Hannah W, Tim and Hannah H, and Kevin. I prayed over other people as well, but felt drawn to these. When I went to Shelli, I had no clue why she cried or wore such a pained expression on her face, but I silently prayed that God comfort her, let her rest in Him and restore joy in her heart. When I looked up, she was smilling from ear to ear and looked so peaceful! I stood amazed! Then, as if God wasn’t already showing off, he led me to Hannah W. and this morning, Justin (her husband) told me that I had prayed aloud exactly what Hannah had just had a conversation with someone else about – concerns, etc. God is AMAZING!!!!! Today is the best day I have had so far.
As I recounted this now, the fire I was feeling last night is revived inside me. I know that when the Holy Spirit fills someone, things start to happen. Fruits of the Spirit are bestowed upon some, and I have no doubt that this is what happened last night! I’m so thankful that after a few days of wandering what on Earth I’d gotten myself into, God finally saw fit to confirm His plan for my life! I’m so excited to continue ministering to my brothers and sisters on this Race, and especially to the people that we will come in contact with while on the field! Great things are in store and I can’t wait to see them!!!!!
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
