The 10 days I spent in Gainesville, Georgia were FULL. The days at World Race Training Camp were full of growth and friendship. Full of selfless love and learning. Full of life. Full of Jesus. Now- some of you might read that and assume that means that training camp was easy *laughs out loud* well I have news for you! These full days were actually not easy at all- at least, they weren’t for me.
I’m sure some of you know that when you run to Jesus, almost every single time he wrecks your life. This is a pretty accurate depiction of what has happened to me. You see, I think we all find ourselves in these “comfortable” places with Jesus. I was there before training camp. I was wearing the title of a Christian, but not the crown. Anyone can claim they’re a Christian, but not everyone pursues/abides in intimacy with our Abba. Not everyone seeks his voice or listens to conviction from the Holy Spirit. Christianity is NOT comfortable. Need an example? Read literally ANY story about Jesus in the Bible. Or people who heard a command from God. “Yo, Moses. Go lead all 600,000 of your people through a sea and into a promised land with no plan or map. Just trust me.” Sound comfortable? The same God who split that sea and lead Moses is the exact same God who speaks to us and leads us today.
Jesus loved people nobody else wanted to love. He did things nobody else wanted to do, even going as far as dying for us. He broke stereotypes. The things he did that were uncomfortable showed the true colors of his ever-fervent love for us. And while it is so much easier to choose ourselves, it fails to bring Him (nor us) any glory. And it may seem safer to live comfortably, but how much greater will our love be displayed if we don’t!
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:22-24
So training camp was exhausting and humbling- Abba broke me down and He built me up. He gave me an even firmer foundation. He spoke to me, and I listened. He gave me a new family, some really amazing new sisters. He gave me an eagerness to meet the brothers and sisters awaiting me all around the world. He told me what my worth is through His eyes.
And the days were hard, and they were uncomfortable, but they were FULL of life. I can’t wait for the uncomfortable days to come.
