Theoretical- one week of physically and spiritually preparing for the upcoming journey; consisting of lessons of how to share the love of Christ through a “classroom” experience.
Actual- A week where strangers become family, are broken, healed and restored in Christ. Although it was only a week it felt like longer, consisting of love, joy, tears and close quarters. Below are a few of the ways God showed up this week, in no particular order.
- I’ve never experienced a worship service that everyone felt COMPLETELY FREE to worship in their own way.– The way that 200+ people from different backgrounds and worship together reminded me of how stained glass pieces come together to form a beautiful piece of art- not one of them more important than another one, just different.
- God is over the impossible. If you ask, He will deliver beyond what you ever expected.- He knows what you need more than you do. He will find and treat the root of the illness, not just the symptoms.
- He uses your weaknesses to show His power.– If you empty yourself and become full of Him you will experience so much more.
- Your actions speak louder than your words.– You will find pure joy and encouragement if you embrace and serve others using your talents, rather than wishing for another set. [More details to come in a later blog]
- There’s always more of God to experience and learn about.- God is a multi-faceted being that constantly has lessons for us to experience.
- He can create a family among strangers, despite differences and uncomfortable conditions.- Through simulations we bonded and accepted each other at our best and worst.
- The best way to love and feel loved is by being vulnerable.- If you open up (in a safe environment) you may be shown love and support that can help you through the challenges.
- God has a sense of humor that keeps you in check.- He will show up in ways that you would have never expected and pushes you out of your comfort zone.
- In order to move forward, it may be necessary to step back.- Sometimes the bridge is built too soon over rocky waters or land that doesn’t provide enough support for you to effectively move forward.
- Worship is a time for a date with God.– Imagine if yourself on a date with God and you want to more about him and not the waiter (i.e. band). It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing around you, your focus is should be on God.
- God will blow my mind these next 11 months. To think that this one short week was only a sample of what is to come overwhelms and satisfies my soul. If He can move that much in one week, I can hardly imagine what He can do with 11 months.
Challenge: Are you willing to let God fill you and show you how He can do the impossible?
Future Racers: Embrace the experience of training camp. You and your squad have the opportunity to bond to be close or closer than you are with your friends and family. The people you will meet are in your life for a purpose. The community at camp is a safe place where you can be broken, healed and restored. The more vulnerable you are with others, the deeper your relationships with each other and Christ will be.
