Then I take another look at my life before the World Race, and I compare the Me from then to the Austin of now, 11 months later, and I begin to see the bigger differences that God has wrought in my life.
Before the race I would never have thought that living as a missionary, let alone a missionary outside the U.S. was something I could see myself doing.
Now I think that is a very real possibility that the Lord could call me to.
Before the race I was content to work a job, 9-5, then do the Lord’s work outside of those hours. Maybe helping at church, leading youth, or volunteering at an organization of some sort.
Now I can’t imagine NOT doing some sort of ministry for my life’s work, whether that be to work at/with a Christian organization or to be a missionary.
Before the race I was unsure of where my life was heading. I lacked a firm purpose for my life.
Now I know that my life is in God’s hands, because I have put it there.
Before the race I was unsure of my identity.
Now I know that my identity is in Christ and found no-where else.
Before the race I lived my life according to my will, while occasionally asking God where He thinks my life should lead.
Now I am more fearful that I am NOT following God’s will for my life than I am about living my life to MY standards.
Before the race I loved my family and understood how blessed I am to have them.
Now I realize how truly important family is. The fact that I have parents that are still married, believe in the Lord, believe in me and an immediate family/extended family that are believers is truly amazing and makes me filthy rich when it comes to family. I thank the Lord for this every day.
Before the race I rarely read my bible and only spent a few minutes before going to bed speaking to the Lord.
Now I understand how incredibly crucial it is to start my day by spending time with the Lord and His word. “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Before the race I did not live by faith.
As I look at myself now I realize that I am completely different in some ways, and yet I am still me. I am still the Austin Ulsh who grew up in rural PA with a loving family to lead me in the Lord, who loves to hang out with friends, who is outgoing and loves the joy the Lord gives me every day. But now my identity is rooted in the Lord and I am more than what I once was because I have let Him lead, stretch and grow me these past 11 months.
This past year has been amazing but it has also been challenging. I have learned what it means to truly love someone with the love of Christ and how hard it is to leave that person behind. I have experienced personal struggles and brokenness that was painful but have helped me understand that I have to trust in the Lord and His plan for my life, even if that plan does not match up with my own. I have seen people who have nothing, are beaten down and struggling just to survive and still continue to worship and thank the Lord for what they do have.
