“While at launch, everyone was gifted a key from one of our squad mentors, Austin. During training camp we wrote down a word that represented our expectations for the race. Austin prayed about these words and created a key for each of us with those words.” (Click here for the blog I wrote back in month 1 pertaining to this)
My word was JOY.
These keys have a bigger purpose than just a necklace though.
“Keys for the Journey exists to empower people to journey with the Lord in a specific area of their lives. Through the wearing of a word, you carry a tangible reminder to be in prayer over that area of your life.” (https://www.keysforthejourney.com/pages/about-us)
Over the course of the year I have been praying for the spirit of joy in myself, in my team and in my circumstances.
I don’t know what it actually means to the outside world to be filled with joy but I believe that when joy comes from the Lord, it’s unwavering. I find my joy in the fact that I know that I’ve been set free of the chains the world puts on me. I find my joy in the fact that I wake up every morning. I find joy in the fact that I get to serve Jesus every single day. I find joy in the fact that Jesus is eternal.
“Once you’ve experienced the growth the Lord has for you with that word, you then hand it off to someone else. In giving the word away, you empower others so they can have their own journey with it. Keys for the Journey is about unlocking the Kingdom of God in your own life and the lives of others.”
I found myself in month 10 of the race with my key sitting forgotten in my backpack when the Lord told me, it was time to pass it on.
She was getting ready to move back to the States after living in Costa Rica for the last 3 years after her race to follow a calling the Lord had on her life.
She walked in faith. She walked in wisdom. She walked in truth.
8 of us were shoved into her little truck when she stated, “Joy is the understanding of Gods will. You can still have joy and not happiness, because you understand God’s will in your life and his plan, even if your circumstance is hard or difficult.”
That’s when the Lord whispered to me, “Pray joy over the next season of Carli’s life in the States.”
It was time to pass the key of joy onto someone else.
Lord, Psalm 30 v. 11 says “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” I pray Psalm 30:11 over Carli. I pray for the next season of Carli’s life as she continues to walk in obedience to you. I ask that you would fill her with the spirit of joy even when the times get hard.
Allow her to be a blessing to each and every person she meets but thank you for for the impact that Carli had on our lives over the mere 6 days that we knew her. Thank you for Carli. We love you so much, Jesus. Amen.
