I have now survived the first half of training camp. Between freezing temperatures, rain, and cold showers, it has been an interesting experience. In spite of this, however, God has shown up in some amazing ways. The first four days have focused on each team member as an individual. The goal was to prepare our hearts to encounter God and surrender all to Him and His will. We have had several teaching sessions that have covered topics ranging from the discipline of honesty, worldview approach, fears, and the work and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in each of us.
God has really put me through the wringer so far! We have ventured into the dark valley of our past losses and grief and then climbed back up to the mountaintop of surrender and freedom in Christ. The most vivid and powerful day for me was when my team participated in the Surrender Walk. We began this morning at the beginning of a hiking path at Unicoi State Park. Each of my teammates was given a piece of firewood and told to consider what God was asking us to surrender to Him before we left for the World Race. After writing these things on my firewood, I started up the path to surrender my burden. This path led through the forest along a lake and back to the team’s campsite. From there, I was directed up the hillside into the forest, following the orange hunter’s tape that marked the path. After ascending this hill, I came to a road and was asked if I was truly ready to surrender my burden at the foot of the cross. I said yes. I knew it was time to let it go.
The rest of the way up was steep, treacherous, and slippery. As I hiked up this final hill, I couldn’t help but meditate on the spiritual parallel to this journey. In order to surrender our burdens, sins, and vices to God, we often have a difficult journey ahead of us. The way is steep, and we begin to feel the true weight of the burden we carry. But praise God for His mercy! When we reach the cross, we can throw our burdens down and never have to pick them up again. I left my log at the foot of the cross at the top of that hill and walked down knowing that nothing more was keeping me from giving my all on the World Race.
