This is quite the hefty question. God has taught me so many things, allowed me to experience so many things, broken my heart over so many things, and filled my heart with so many things. The Race was the vessel, but the Race was not what changed me- it was JESUS. It was seeing His love and power in action all over the world. It was diving into His word with new zeal and intimacy. It was learning to be stripped of the comforts of the western world and instead be completely consumed by the comfort of Christ. It was learning to deny myself and do everything for the sake of the name of Jesus being spread to the ends of the earth.
Because of the things God taught me and exposed me to on the race, my eyes have been trained to seek out service. That’s only by the Lord’s grace; that is not of myself. Instead of seeking out what is most convenient or most appealing for me, God has given me a desire to make intentional self-denial a normal part of my everyday life, not just the days I choose. God has also shown me over and over and over again that “life is Ministry, Ministry is life” So cliche, but so true. “Mission work” is just a fancy title for what should be the everyday life of a Christ-follower… Truly- I’m on final debrief right now, literally a week off of intentional Ministry time, yet I’m having the most amazing experiences ministering to the people God is placing in my path. People are hungry for the truth and love of the Gospel, and I’m so excited to get home and love the crap out of my community, my neighbors, and my church. Im excited to share the truth and love of the Gospel. This has completely changed the ins and outs of my days and I pray I never fall back into a self-centered schedule each day.
My experience with community on the race has changed how I’ll pursue people. My experiences with the spiritual realm have influenced how I’ll fight on behalf of my brothers and sisters who are being persecuted around the world. My experience reading through the Bible will influence my thoughts and actions, as I now have a firmer foundation of all that God says. My experiences with certain teachings or struggles with leadership have sharpened my discernment and taught me how to better submit to authority and honor the Lord, remaining united in the death and resurrection of Jesus. My experience with homesickness will allow me to cherish my family and my home more than ever before. My experience of dropping everything and obeying the Lord was encouraging and empowering, allowing me to peacefully open my hands that much more to whatever the Lord may call me to do in the future.
I am forever grateful for how Jesus moved in me and through me on the Race. He is faithful, He is good, He is so full of grace to constantly teach us and grow us and change our lives for His glory, and He is forever worthy of all praise. This is just the beginning!
Thank you, Father.
-Anna
