So you're thinking about going on the race…you have the calling…you have the drive…like I do and so many others. Your heart yearns to help "the least of these"…you probably are "Blog-Stalking"…nervously waiting for the interview or phone call of your acceptance. I can still feel those butterflies and sleepless nights…I can still remember my phone never leaving my hand because I didn't want to miss a phone call from AIM…I can still remember jumping up and down and squealing for joy when I finally got the call…the call that I was accepted to go on The World Race. After years of bouncing from job to job…after years of trying to find a sense of direction in this dizzying world we live in, I had finally found it…
The overwhelming JOY I feel is still very much there…but I have noticed something…
Satan is scrambling.
Satan is pulling out the big guns.
Trying to find any way….trying to find ANY weapon that will discourage me.
My previous/broken relationships.
My lack of a job.
My lack of money.
My regrets.
EVEN my fundraising efforts. (Maybe the check you were hoping for wasn't as much as you dreamed…maybe someone you thought would support you no matter what, won't…maybe the help you thought you would get, doesn't show up. It does happen.)
He.Will.Not.Stop.
Strangely, I am okay with it. It's how I know that I am doing the right thing. It gives me an opportunity to kick Satan in his teeth…it gives me the chance to give the glory to God, and not the victory to Satan.
Philippians 4:6-8 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
These past few weeks have been an epic battle. I always knew about spiritual warfare, but I have never experienced it like this. An Epic battle for my heart. In moments of weakness and desperation I can almost feel/see/hear the enemy whispering false comforts into my ear…and I can feel my Heavenly Father crushing him by a simple encouraging text from a friend, or a song on the radio, or a verse in a blog…
To be honest, for months earlier this year I let Satan have the victories…he won quite a few battles…but I am determined, and know that God will win the war.
When I feel discouragement creep in…I think of the race…but not how I will have the opportunity to change it, but how it will change me. How God will use me. How God will transform my story into something beautiful and perfect…I can't wait to struggle…I can't wait to be homesick…I can't wait to be PHYSICALLY sick…I can't wait to have NOTHING ELSE BUT MY SAVIOR…because it is the refining fire that will fix my broken and bleeding heart.
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
So you're thinking about going on the race. Answer me these questions, and I challenge you to write them down:
Why not? What would prevent you from going on this race?
What are you afraid of?
Do you feel called to do this?
Have them written down?
Do it…
Okay. Now, picture you are sitting with the Lord…and that he is asking you those questions.
Now see how big YOUR GOD is…compared to the things of this world. Would he see your excuses, would he see your fears as too big to handle? Would he not be able to provide?
People ask me…well what about your younger siblings? Won't they need/miss you?
And I respond…"Yes…but there are so many little brothers and sisters in Christ out there who need just as many hugs as my biological ones do."
A year is a long time. But because of the Lord I am so at peace with giving everything I had with the knowledge that he will provide for me. He will provide for you. He will fight for you.
Sign up. If you are spending as much time as I think you are researching the race and reading these blogs, obviously God is trying to get your attention.
Get ready for the ride of your life…as well as an Epic battle for your heart and attention. And get ready to be amazed at His provision and strength.
Can't wait to journey with you! 🙂
