Before I left for the race, my relationship with the Lord came to a point of no growth. I wasn’t reading my bible, I was going to church because it felt like an obligation, and I only really prayed at night and my prayers weren’t really meaningful. I was getting discouraged because people always talked about this awesome and powerful God, but I just didn’t experience that. When I left for the race, I was constantly surrounded by 41 other believers from all over the spectrum of belief. Some where fairly new believers, some where like me and hit a plateau, and some people had such a strong faith and had so much wisdom. I was a little bit intimidated by all of the people that knew so much more than me. I grew up in the church, so shouldn’t I know more than I do? The answer is no. I quickly came to realize that my faith isn’t based on my religion and the practices it entails, but it’s based on my relationship with the Lord. I never really realized that I could have a relationship with the Lord in the same way I have a relationship with a friend. There are no words to describe the way it feels to know that the Lord is actually our friend and father, not just a mysterious being that judges us. I think I assumed that a relationship with the Lord would come easily, but I can confidently say that it didn’t. I had to really fight for it. Sometimes it really sucked and I wanted to give up, but having a group of believers around me that can speak life and truth into me was so important. That’s why God emphasizes how important to church is. No, I’m not talking about the building and the meetings that happen once or twice a week. I’m talking about the body of Christ, the warriors for the Lord, the children of God. That’s what the church is and without it, where would we be? The bible mentions several times the importance of not being alone. “a strand of three is not easily broken,” “Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.” Having a strong support system is so important. I love analogies and they always help me understand so here’s an analogy. Think about the buildings they used to build in ancient Greece and in ancient Rome. What did they look like? They were usually white or grey, they where stone or marble, and they always had pillars. Those pillars weren’t just for decoration, they supported the roof so it didn’t collapse in on itself. Well, were the building and the body of believers that supports us are the pillars. Without the support of the pillars, we would collapse and we wouldn’t be able to be used for our intended purpose. God made every person in this world with a specific purpose. For me, it isnt quite clear what God has planned for my life and how he intends to use me, but thats ok. What I do know is that I’m going to trust him and just knowing that I have an amazing and God-glorifying purpose is enough for me.
The Lord has really been moving in me recently. I’ve experienced things that have blown my mind. Probably the coolest thing that I’ve experience was a prophecy circle. I know it might sound kind of weird and maybe a little cultish, but I promise it is the most God filled thing ive ever done. For those of you who don’t know what a prophecy circle is, let me explain. When my team did it, we wrote everyone’s name down on a piece of paper and we put it in a hat. We put on some worship music, did a little bit of prayer that God would speak to us, then we chose a name. We didn’t look at it, we just asked God what he had for that person. Sometimes its a picture, sometimes its words, and sometimes its just a feeling. Once we feel like its time to close, we pray for the person (still not knowing who it is) then we look at the name. We then talk about it and then we repeat the process for everyone. I never thought I could hear from the Lord like that but I can, and so can you. It was also really cool that since I didn’t know that I was chosen, I was prophesying over myself. The words that where spoken to me where so relevant. It was exactly the things I needed to hear. We recorded each individual persons turn and when I went back and listened to mine, all I could do was cry. God is so so good. He knew exactly what I needed to hear and he spoke through my teammates which was really cool. The Lord wants to move through everyone that is willing to move for him. He wants us to be radical and have crazy faith. One other really cool thing that has happened to me since being on the race is he gave me a vision. It was really short but man was it powerful. In the vision I was standing over a woman who was laying in bed. I had my hands on her stomach and I was saying words. I couldnt tell what I was saying, but im pretty sure I was praying. Then the woman opened her eyes and the room filled with praise. That it, that was the end and I was really confused, but then the Lord spoke to me as clear as day. He said just 10 little words that rocked my world and changed my life. He simply said, “Julia, you are going to raise someone from the dead.” Wow, it still gives me chills when I think about it. I am going to have to have some crazy radical faith, but I’m ready. God moves through everyone, sometimes in big ways like raising people from the dead, but it can be something as simple as showing kindness to someone who needs it. If you’re reading this blog and you have a good relationship with the Lord then I encourage you to keep pursuing it, but if you’re reading this and you don’t really have a relationship with the Lord then I encourage you to find someone to talk to. Talk to a pastor, christian friend, or even me if you don’t have anyone else. (feel free to text me anytime. I may not respond quickly but I will ALWAYS respond) I want everyone to know and experience the Jesus that I know. It was change your life and you will be left wondering why you ever thought a life without him was fulfiling. I hope you all have a great week and I challenge you to step out in radical faith just once this week and see the good things that come from it. I love you all!
