Over 4th of July, I went camping with 10 other future racers at Max Patch, a beautiful mountain in western NC. We spent our time hiking, swimming in the creek, showering in the creek, and taking in the breathtaking views. As the sun was slowing creeping down behind the mountain someone in our group noticed a person wearing a World Race shirt. We all go up and talk to these two girls they tell us that they just got back from Gap Year a few weeks ago and were stoked to find out that we were all future racers. So crazy and not random at all. They told us that they decided last minute to drive a few hours to camp out for the night, and we’re all so glad they did. We ended up hanging out with them at our camp all night eating s’mores, hearing all of their amazing stories, and most importantly they prayed over us. The Lord had taken them all over the world to tell people about HIs goodness and after thousands of miles, they were doing His work on top of a mountain in NC.
Their excitement for us and willingness to share their time and insight on the race was a selfless act. That night was God working the way he does. He used three amazing people who had just journeyed through what we are about to do and brought them to speak His word to us. Their prayers over us opened my ears and eyes towards why I was chosen, chosen to be on that mountain, chosen to travel the world to speak His truth and show the Love that he shows for us. The lord has been speaking to me recently through a song by Zach Williams “Fear is a Liar”.
Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
This song has been stuck in my head for a few days and it wasn’t until we were talking and Nick (one of the World Race alums) said that exact verse and related it to our own fears. My fear was holding me back from doing the one thing I’m supposed to be doing, embracing everything and everyone with open arms just as Jesus would do. My fear of getting my team, meeting my squad, and packing the ‘right’ clothes was holding me back. Learning to let go of my fears and worries to the Lord has allowed me to embrace the moments God has made. A week ago I volunteered at VBS and the big theme was “Jesus rescues”, no matter if you’re worried, lonely, or scared, Jesus will rescue you. At first, I didn’t see my fears about training camp as something holding me back, but as the Lord has been speaking to me I see my fears as something keeping me from Him. A sudden feeling of relief washed over me when I realized that I needed to let go to be able to focus on the Lord and what he is telling me to do.
There were so many powerful moments where it was evident God was there with us. Our God is good. He does everything with intention, like putting strangers on a mountain that turn into family into a matter of hours. He knows when you’re hurting and broken and has His ways of speaking to you. The Lord will never fail you, fully trust in Him and lay aside whatever it is that’s holding you back from running full speed ahead further growing His Kingdom. Training camp is now only 2 days away and finally, instead of being nervous about what is to come I am excited and prepared to step into this next season in my life. Being worried about the unknown is a fear, and fear is a liar. Jesus rescued me when my fears were overwhelming, and He will keep doing that forever because that is how much He loves us. I am very thankful for the people God has intentionally put into my life recently and I cannot wait to meet my amazing squad! God has more big things in store, so stay focused because you don’t want to miss a moment of it.
