You’re about to head out on this insane, Jesus-filled, adventure seeking, miracle witnessing journey and these are a few things I want you to remember throughout the next 11 months.
Right now, everything about the World Race may sound like an incredible adventure. Don’t get me wrong, after these 11 months are up, all of the best parts will stick out and overshadow all of the hard times, but… there WILL BE hard times.
You WILL get homesick for family and friends. You WILL face every insecurity you’ve ever felt. You WILL get weary. You WILL face sickness. You WILL face exhaustion like never before. You WILL face emotions that you can’t hold in and hide from everyone around you. You WILL experience a new level of fear. And you WILL face spiritual warfare like never before.
When you are facing these things, remember that they are not from God, they are from the enemy! He wants you to feel scared, insecure, homesick, weak, sick, and powerless. You AREN’T! When the enemy attacks, cling to God’s promises and TRUST HIM!
When you’re feeling homesick:
“I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property–along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.”
Mark 10:29
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:13
When you are facing insecurity:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”
Isaiah 66:13
When you are feeling weary:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
When you are sick:
“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well.”
James 5:14-15
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 30:17
When you are exhausted:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. “
Isaiah 40:31
“And as for the rest of you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good, but continue doing what is right without weakening.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13
When you are overcome with emotions:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Galatians 5:22-23
“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
When you are scared:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
When you are facing spiritual warfare:
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
1 Peter 5:8-9
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper, and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.”
Isaiah 54:17
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
Luke 10:19
Continue to follow where the Lord leads and say “yes” daily. Put others before yourself, even when it’s the hard choice! Do one thing a day that scares you. (That does NOT include eating bugs or jumping off of things.) Be intentional with your team/squad, they are incredible people and eventually, you WILL miss them! Now go and do the thing!
This is going to be an unforgettable year!
Love,
Me
