I wrote this blog while flying to our first country, and there’s something that has been on my heart that I just have to share with you.
As exciting and life-changing this journey will be for me, I don’t want to have it all to myself. If you feel like something needs to be changed in your life, like there must be something more, I would like to invite you (yep yep you who are reading this blog right now) to enter into a season of challenges, discomfort, and abandonment along with me, for the purpose to experience things in total new ways and receive from the Lord what He has long desired to give to both you and me. Even if you’re not Christian, this season of difficulties and discomfort will push you so far and reset you for a more grounded path.
At Launch, one of the most talked-about topics was choosing abandonment. What are you choosing to leave behind as you go on the World Race this year? Will you choose to step into discomfort and brokenness in exchange for renewal and restoration? For me, this year I will be out on the field, specifically in the land of the beautiful Asia, serving those who are broken, who are ready and hungry for God, discipling and being discipled by teammates and ministry partners, and walking into a place of vulnerability, unfamiliarity, and discomfort. I do not know or wish to know what the result of this year will look like because I know whatever I want to see happen in my own eyes and imagination, God will exceed far beyond that and I want what God has for me instead. SO, because I’m excited about what God will bring into my life and the lives of those around me this year, I really want the same for you–those of you who may be in the middle of schooling, working, in the transitioning season, or simply serving in ministries in the States. We may be on two different sides of the world, but all changes start with the heart, our heart that transforms our thoughts, our perspectives, our behaviors, and ultimately our lives.
So this year (I wrote this in my journal prior to Launch), I want to leave behind:
- Sinful habits that do nothing to better me or bring me closer to God
- Performance—counting how much I’m ‘doing’ for ministry to try to please God
- Comparison—enough said
- Unhealthy relationship with food, self-image, and any false sense of confidence
In addition, I would love to gain:
- Everlasting JOY of the Lord
- Discipline and Fear of the Lord
- Complete confidence in how God created me
If you are willing to step into this journey of abandonment with me, I would encourage you to write down things that you would like to leave behind this year as well. Even if you’re continuing school, work, or other, simply surrendering to God’s lead and letting go of control will change everything in your life. It most likely won’t look pretty, won’t be easy, and definitely will not turn out how you want things to be, but I believe that the outcome of us choosing this difficult journey will not only change our lives, but also stand beautifully pleasant and brave in the Heaven’s eyes.
Love,
Jess
