Today was our first “adventure day,” and what did this girl do?
She had some good ole introverted time.
Part of me wanted to go out and venture the city of Tirana, but something told me to stay back and rest.
That’s exactly what I did, and it was just what I needed. I journaled for the first time after days of putting it off, and it allowed me to process what I was feeling (which is new for me if ya don’t know me that well.)
Today, I had a glimpse of what God is up to in my own heart this year. He has so much in store not only for the people we come into contact with, but in our own personal relationships with Him.
One of the reasons I keep bringing up about why I felt called to the Race was how I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.
I was too “comfortable.” My relationship with God had become stagnant. I wanted more.
The funny thing is… I never said I wanted to be uncomfortable. I didn’t say that I craved discomfort.
Wording things different ways can really change perspective, in my humble opinion.
After a reenergizing nap this morning, a couple of girls and I went to get lunch and exchanged some encouraging words. We talked about things we missed back home and how leaving was a little harder than we had expected.
I threw out my thought that had been bothering me during launch and during our travel days:
“Why am I so upset with leaving when this is something I chose to do?”
I was so frustrated. I hate crying, and with this being a choice I made, I didn’t understand what my emotions were up to. I felt like I had no control. I was not a fan.
After being in ministry a couple of days, the most obvious answer in the world hit me straight in the face:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
-Matthew 28:19
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
-Mark 16:15
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
-Romans 10:13-15
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
??-Luke? ?9:23-24?
No one, especially God, said it was going to be easy.
He simply said GO.
In this last week of stepping out of my comfort zone and into only the beginning of discomfort, God has encouraged me so much.
In my discomfort, I’ve been able to completely lean on God and God alone.
It’s easy to find ourselves complaining over the heat, or not being able to drink the water, or having access to only one shower, but it’s so beneficial for us to pause, take a breath, and remember why we are here and who we are serving. The World Race has given us the most amazing opportunity to see and love God’s beautiful people right where they are.
It’s only the fourth full day in Albania, and I. AM. IN. LOVE.
Rest was exactly what my soul needed today. 🙂
