Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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You know those days when it’s pouring rain one minute, and the next you are blinded by the dazzling sun, and a rainbow arcs across the sky against a dynamite black backdrop of storm clouds? Best way I can think to paint a picture of what the last week of my life has been. What a rollercoaster ride! Packing, saying goodbyes, mourning the losses of leaving, yet looking ahead with expectancy and eagerness to see how 2012 will unfold.


One thing is constant. One thing brings me back to a place of absolute joy, peace, and excitement, unaltered by external stress and the storm that threatens to overwhelm and drown me in those moments of doubt and fear…


My Father has promised never to leave or forsake me! My Savior walks beside me, speaking confidence and hope for the future. The Holy Spirit of God equips me in my inadequacy, fills me with boldness in place of fear, and prepares the way!


But let me tell you, I have had my moments of doubt. The other night, my dad asked, “Jill, you still feel really sure that this is what God is calling you to do?�


A rhetorical question at this point. 🙂 But in that moment, my quaking heart laughed. Not at all! my emotions said.


Absolutely yes, came a deeper response. I’ve realized that no matter what I feel now, no matter what lies the enemy whispers in my ear as I prepare to go, no matter what obstacles and doubts and difficulties arise, I already know. Months ago, God made His calling completely clear. Now, in the last week before I jump off the edge, I can cling to the reminder of His promise and His invitation even when it looks like I am about to step out onto a battlefield of giants with nothing but a sling and a few stones…


But that is where the greatest victory is won, right? In my weakness, in His strength!


Which reminds me of this song. If you have a few minutes, stop, listen to the words and to the compelling invitation that Jesus has for each one of us!

Fly by Jonathan David Helser (this is the guy who led worship at our training camp in Georgia). 


And I am not alone in this adventure! One of the most encouraging things to me in the last few weeks has been reading blogs and talking to my teammates and squadmates, who are also leaving everything for the next year to follow that irresistible calling they have heard. 

 

With that, let me introduce you to my beautiful sisters on Team Cherished!

 



From left to right: Katie H., Katie W., Jen, me, Julie (front), Misty, and Kate


I can’t wait for all the stories I am going to have to tell you about these six women of God in the coming year. It is so exciting to see how He has gifted each of us uniquely and brought us together to be His hands and feet to the world! All you prayer warriors out there, please pray for our unity and for our hearts to beat as one in the love of the Father who cherishes us, as we are sent out by Him!

 

To all of you who continue to love and support me through every step of this process, thank you more than words can say! To those of you who have spoken faith and encouragement to my heart, who have prayed with me, loved me unconditionally, and given me hugs when I needed them most… thank you! 🙂 And to my Jesus, who gives me a reason to wake up each morning and restores my soul in His presence, the biggest THANK YOU of all!

 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful!� Hebrews 10:23