World Race Training Camp from Adventures In Missions on Vimeo.
With just over a week till training camp, my thoughts are running with vigor, and my emotions abound in heightened states. We are encouraged to arrive empty-handed of expectations. But I would be dishonest if I didn’t say I have some. I have expectations about what training camp, my squad, my teammates, and the 11 month mission trip and our ministry will be like, but I am striving hard to leave them behind and go forth with peace and contentment knowing that it isn’t the ‘particulars’ that are important, it’s what God is doing in my heart and the heart of others through each experience, (“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7).
The day fast approaches when I’ll get to meet my entire squad – who I have been conversing with via social networks and other means – and more (the other squads). I already love the people in my squad, and I’ve never even met any of them face-to-face, (We love because HE first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19). It’s AMAZING how we are already bonded together, connected through Christ our Savior; full of passion for this 11 month mission trip to serve and love others around the world and to live in community with another, serving, encouraging, supporting, teaching, helping, and loving each other – ALL FOR GOD’S GLORY! I sit back in awe, considering it all. What a beautiful experience molded by our Father in heaven.
But at the same time that my excitement abounds, I have also experienced feelings of nervousness, anxiety, insecurity, fear and doubt, regarding training camp itself and meeting my squad and future teammates. I have no doubt that I am going to continue to be tried spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally in all these areas and circumstances of the World Race. And I wonder, “Am I cut out for this?” And then I remind myself that those feelings are not from God, those are from the Enemy, whispering lies into my heart about my identity and belonging with the World Race and my squad, and myself as a woman, an individual.
When the Enemy tries to entwine us in his snare, remember that God is by our side, fighting for us (“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14) Often times we get in the way with, our pride, our selfish desires, our lack of trust and/or faith, etc… If only we let go, and LET GOD instead.
Just like in the song, “God’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”, I know that God, majestic over all creation, cares about each and every one of us, and wants us to seek a life in an active, loving, and personal relationship with the Trinity. I TRUST Him. He handpicked me for a specific purpose, and that truth is the same for every member of my squad, the other squads, and every other person in this big ‘ole world! Can you imagine? Someone who LOVES us that much, CARES about us that much? I can; HIS NAME IS JESUS!! 
My heart is open to His guidance in my life before, during, and after the World Race. Training camp is just the beginning of this marvelous mission adventure. BRING IT ON!! 
