”The gospel is like a caged lion it does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage” Charles H Spurgeon 1878
The World Race is an amazing life awakening experience, it was hard, it was work, it was crazy, it was emotional, and it was a soild foundation I will have for the rest of my life.
How to sum up 11 months? The beautiful people I’ve met, my teammates and the countries? I guess a good place to start is the personal testimony of what God has done within me this year.
Mozambique Africa, I praise God that we started in Africa! It was everything I thought a missions trip would be and so much more! Teaching classes to boys at Beacon of Hope, Bible studies and team times, cleaning duties throughout the day, eating great Mozambican food, painting, donating food and kid supplies to a nearby church, raising funds for the missions building and home to the missionary Angie Wheeler, playing soccer and building relationships with the boys and staff, adventure day at the beach, sweating every second of the day, spiritual warfare and breakthroughs, the boys giving their hearts to the Lord, and my team sharing all our testimonies, and me and Jesus’ relationship blooming. *phew*
One day near the end of the month after I finished a conversation with one of our leaders (shout out to Ari!) I had a picture come to mind of a lamb walking in and a lion walking out, I thought it was so cool and an example of what God did in me that month, if I went home after month 1 I would have been happy and thankful with the experience and went on with life as I knew it, but not truly understanding the knowledge that God had more. Oh so much more, He wanted me to spiritually become the lion walking out. 10 months later of extremely DIFFERENT months then the first, I am back in the States as a woman who has grown in so many ways, I am secure in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in my identity as a free daughter, cool right?!, a bold and fierce creation who fights against what the Lord hates, disagrees with doubt and rests in His confidence and peace, a woman who can stand against anything that comes at her because of the authority God has given me, His Word and the way He has made me.
I am redeemed. I am made new. I am free in Jesus.
A lamb did walk into the world race, timid and shy and unaware of the massive God she serves and had gated in.
A lion is walking out of the world race, braver, stronger and aware of the kingdom in her and around her and the one to come.
I’ve learned to step out even when I didn’t want to or have anything to bring to the table because I’ve learned that God likes us to trust Him and in the moment He will deliver, to listen and ask for understanding when I’m at loss for what to do or what things mean, to speak when its needed, I’ve learned how to be vulnerable and honest with others and my God and how truly powerful that can be and how hard it is. I’ve learned that His Spirit dose more than we think He does and I will no longer limit Him, because it’s honestly foolish. And I will continually learn all those things and more, because I will never be done sitting at His feet and gathering every crumb that falls to the floor.
Meet Elizabeth, enthusiastic guide to the trails of Nepal and silly friend. #nepal
My teammates enjoying a nice cooked pig that was actually slaughtered that day! #mynamar
My teammates taking a silly picture after moving a fridge and a couch down little stairs.. #India
40+ of the most amazing people who roam the earth. Thanks for everything R Squad, you all have been a part of this journey and I’m excited to watch what God does with you outside the WR. #ElSalvador #LifeIsMinistry #MinistryIsLife
My relationship with my God is something a missions trip couldn’t just teach me, He did that Himself, but also through His disciples, His church around the world, through His Spirit, His beautiful Word, and through a willing heart.
Throughout the race I’ve had people who don’t know me or the picture that I had month 1 and give me a word of encouragement that they have seen me grow bolder and that it reminds them of a lion. One story in particular, our pastor in Costa Rica was sitting talking to me about my time on the race and he got a word to share with me about a lamb, how people see me and a lioness, how God see’s me, I started tearing up because God was showing me yet again this picture!
Then skip ahead to our last night as a squad in El Salvador worshiping at a church that let us use there space at night. while I was praying how to right my last blog, my teammates ran and grabbed me and told me I needed to see this! We ran to the only room that was open and their it is…. a HUGE mural of a lion.!
And there was a scripture written on the wall in Spanish with the reference Proverbs 28:1 I looked it up in English, you will never guess…
“El malvados huyen aunque nadie los persiga….. pero los justos son tan osados como un leon”
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Thank You Jesus, you are so so good! I am thankful for everyday of the race, the good and the bad. You opened my eyes, raised to life a shy girl, filled me and used me, just like I asked. I also asked if I could look more like you everyday, I’m now realizing and blown away that you are the true Lion and the true Lamb. When You were on earth You sacrificed Yourself as the spotless lamb, but You were always the lion, You always had the authority and the ability to rule right then and there like a lion. Yes, the gospel is like a caged lion you just have to unleash it, but its also like a lamb willing to be sacrificed. And you are not done with me because I’m currently still alive and by your grace willing to sacrifice myself for you. Thank you Father.
To my supporters you will be hearing more from me! What’s next you ask? Well, story short, I’m waiting on the Lord and trusting His timing for what’s next. The first week of January I will be going back to Atlanta Georgia where it all started for a conference for alumni world racers to get more connected with missions. But in the mean time I’m going to be enjoying my family and friends, because I’ve missed the crap out of everyone and also sleep a lot. America will be an adjustment but also a new adventure. Thank you for your prayers and support:) And the cool thing is it doesn’t have to be just me on this journey to know God more, you all have been there and a part of this, now it’s time for you to decide if you are going to say yes to Jesus, seek Him. Just do it. 🙂
*recap from my first blog ever, yes to Jesus is the best thing you could ever do.
“Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah
He’s roaring with power and fighting our battles
And every knee will bow before You
Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain
For the sin of the world, His blood breaks the chains
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb” ~Big Daddy Weave
“I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” Luke 10:3
“My God’s not dead
He’s surely alive
He’s living on the inside
Roaring like a lion” ~ Newsboys
