Do you like change? Ever feel like you wish plans could just be normal for once? What about when things do change, does it bring up emotions? How can we remain constant despite the little and big changes that are thrown at us in a moment?
When I think about the race, I think of constant change and transition. In a moment plans are made and adjusted or completely ignored. It happens in a instant too. One moment your on track to do something, and the next your going a completely different direction.
I have felt this way on the race and even more so now as I look back on this adventurous time. Just last week the flights were purchased back to the United States. We will be flying into San Fransisco the end of June and everyone is making plans on how to get home. Literally in a moment so many thoughts, questions, and emotions go through my mind. Where will I go? What are others doing? How am I going to get home?
In one sense getting information, wether its the death of a family member or a promotion at work, can bring up extreme emotions of heartache or thankfulness. So with all the change, how can we remain steadfast in the storm, and thankful in the blessings?
For me, the race has been about responding to different situations. When bad things happen, do I let myself get angry or frustrated? Do I blame people for the mistakes or changes? Do I accept the change and go with it even though it may not be what I wanted?
It’s amazing how emotions can get in the way of what God wants to do when we live an interrupted lifestyle. Just this week, randomly the Mongolian guy at our hostel asked us if we wanted to go outside of town and spend the day in the Yurt. We had plans one minute and the next, everyone was on board for going.
So, we ended up going outside the city and eating lamb with carrots, potatoes, and onions cooked with hot rocks that were put fire. We had salads and other side dishes which made this meal a feast! And the best part is that we were in the middle of nowhere. While we were there, we had opportunities to talk about Jesus as well as to pray over the city from the mountains that were nearby. It was an amazing experience and Preston, Hakeem and I even stayed overnight in the yurt.
While we were there, we had opportunities to talk about Jesus as well as to pray over the city from the mountains that were nearby. It was an amazing experience and Preston, Hakeem and I even stayed overnight in the yurt.
When I think of a season of change, often I think of hardship or trial. However, from the race I believe I’ve learned to take a step back from the emotions and frustrations to see what God wants to do through it. It may not always look like a crazy adventure to the middle of nowhere with random people you have only known for three days, but it may look like adjusting your plans to be flexible enough to see God do something amazing.
Lastly, even through the change and the trial, whether good or bad,I see God has a purpose in it. The hardships and trials bring about tremendous growth and keep us dependent on the ONE who loves us the most. I have to remind myself that the evil one’s mission is to “…Steel, kill, and destroy.” But Jesus’ mission is “…give life and life abundantly.” Remember the truth in the trial and grasp the reality of God doing a new thing in you with the change.
A verse that comes to mind when processing this is:
Colossians 2:6-7
“And now , just as you accepted Jesus as your Lord. You must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into hm, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Challenge: Be ROOTED! Praise Jesus in the change and trial. Take the time to let Him show you the good work He is doing through it and overflow with thankfulness.
