So far on the race it has been really good and this month is no exception. Here in Albania I have gotten the opportunity to do some things I have done before that I know I am reasonably good at. One of those things, which is where I have spent most of my time this month, is making benches for the church to use as pews. This is something that I excel at and have really enjoyed doing this month. It is probably the first month so far that I have felt like I was really contributing. I’m not sure why this is, maybe because I can see some tangible results. That and I have been able to work with some guys that haven’t really ever worked with wood. It has been cool being able to show them how to do different things and them learning new things. Along with that, it has shown me that God has put leadership qualities inside of me and the only thing keeping me from using them is myself. Not only have I been able to build benches this month and develop some leadership skills, I have also been able to step into some things that I wouldn’t consider in my wheelhouse of talents.
One of those things I have stepped into this month is helping to lead worship. I know what you are thinking, I didn’t know zack could play the guitar or drums. Well my friends you are correct. I can’t play any instrument, not even a cord. However I do have a voice and the bible does say to make a joyful noise so I figured I could give it a try. It’s amazing the things you will try with just a little encouragement from people you know have your best interests at heart. I know with all certainty that before the race I never would have gotten up on stage and sang or gotten on the stage at all for that matter. I have really enjoyed singing this month and hope it is something that I can continue to do. Another thing I have done this month is getting up in front of the church and sharing some of my testimony. I have given my testimony before but I haven’t ever gotten up in front of more than a classroom full of people and spoken. This is something that makes me super nervous.
I was reading the book “Crazy Love” earlier this month and one of the things that Francis Chan says that really stuck out to me was something to the effect of “character over comfort.” This is something I am really trying to apply to my life. I am not gonna say that I am actively searching every day for different things that make me uncomfortable that I can step into but when one does come up I really try to take hold of it. My male squad leader once said, and I think I may have said this in a previous post, “ the race isn’t for you to be changed over the course of the year, but it is for taking away things in your life that God didn’t intend to be there.” The bible says that we weren’t created to have a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love, and self control. With that said I have been trying to not let nervousness and discomfort control me and what I will and will not do. This is the character that I want, to be a doer and not just sit back and take it comfortable. Over the next 8 months I am sure I will have ample opportunity to get up and speak in front of people. So I ask that you would join me in praying for boldness to get up and speak whatever God has for me to say. I also want to encourage you to be on the look out for things to step into where you could grow. I promise you will not regret it. It could be the spring board into what God has for you to do next in your life.
Also as you are praying, I ask that you would start to pray for our team next month. Four of the teams, including mine, will be going to Greece to help work with refugees. I will be honest and say I really have no idea what this will look like or even what to expect. As Needtobreathe puts it, pray that in whatever we do that we would be difference makers. Pray that we would be ready and willing to do whatever God has placed us there to do wether it be to meet one persons prayer or if it is only for us to grow closer to Him. Pray that we will bring glory to God in whatever we do. And most of all pray for peoples hearts to be softened and that they would see Christ through us. Thanks in advance for your prayers!
