Its incredible what God can do with simple obedience. About 2 years ago I had prayed, “God, do you want me to stay in the Air Force or get out?” I saw a vision of the ground falling away from in front of me and a giant black hole forming. I heard a small voice say, “Jump”… It was from the moment I “jumped” and my life changed forever. Months later He revealed this thing called the World Race that He has now brought me on.
Here I am, 11 months later finishing the final debrief in Mijas, Spain. It is beyond surreal, yet deeply settling to look back at what happened on my Race. In the words of J.R.R Tolkien, There are some wounds that hurt too deep to heal, and some journeys so long that you cannot remain the same as you once were (While I may be a little bit of a Lord of The Rings nerd, it’s true). I have faced quite a lot of hardships that I could write a novel about. It doesn’t compare, however, with the depth of experience I had with God.
I found out who I wasn’t, and who I was on the World Race. That I was not only a SON but a PILGRIM, on a journey searching out deeper truth through experience. I prayed before I left for lessons that are experienced beyond what words can fully describe, HE ANSWERED.
I learned that my identity should never get wrapped up in what work I do, but who I belong to.
I learned that my relationship with God is what enables me to truly love anyone in every relationship.
I learned that I should speak up when something wrong out of love for the person, not criticism.
I learned that I am a son of God! (Gal. 4:4-7)
I learned what a Father provides on earth and how God eternally does that. Provision, security, and Identity.
I learned that true brotherhood isn’t just going through difficulty together, rather calling brothers higher and fighting for eachother in honesty, grace, and self-less love.
I learned to trust God with my future health and to trust in His plan for my life.
I learned how to find my Father in the comfortable and in lacking.
I learned to speak to someone if I see something wrong, not going to others first, at risk of gossiping.
I learned that living out an example of a Christ-follower, means so much more than a sermon. Rather, it makes the words I say filled with life and the Holy Spirit.
I learned that God’s provision is beyond what I could ever plan for, and its an adventure to experience the unexpected blessing and the answered prayer!
The community of believers I have lived with on the World Race has proven to be life-changing. While I had experienced great community at my church in San Antonio, never had I been able to live in it 24/7. My best friend Ethan on the Race was my sanity at times when the absurd happened or the difficult. A brother that I learned so much from, and was able to share so much with. A mutual discipleship that proved to teach us both so much. We have joked that he is the “Sam” to my “Frodo” on this incredible journey.
I am on my way to Barcelona to fly home via an overnight stay in the Portugal airport. I am not exactly a different person, but rather I am more of the person I was created to be. I AM A FREE ANDY. I strongly value Faith, Family, Courage, Freedom, and Empowering Others and I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. A follower of The Way. There are so many stories I want to share, yet I am still learning more about them as hindsight becomes 20/20.
The most powerful lesson wasn’t just learning who I was, but walking in that identity.
SO! I NEED YOUR HELP. I want to post a question and answer blog about my World Race/coming home/what’s next! I want to share what you as my supporters, friends and family want to know. So please comment below or message me your questions and I will write a follow up blog with the answers!
I love you all! See you in about 2 days America!
@ethan, “the last pages are for you Sam…”
Andy
