Dang. I’m amazed. I’ve read His Word before. I’ve heard His voice and have some understanding of His power at this point in my life. But, OH, how He proves Himself over and over.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
Grace. As I’m learning to lead I find myself not always “liking” each person or circumstance every time. These fleshly moments allow for His glory to shine more brightly as my limits get blown away by His power. Through Christ I get to LOVE them. I get to boast in my weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, and difficulties. For there has been a growing number of them. But I think I knew that a little bit stepping into the Race for a second time: I can’t do it by myself. [PS. it’s not just the World Race part 2 for me…this abandonment is now a growing lifestyle…]
For the moment let me again boast in my weakness. For starters let’s go back to the “Holy Spirit Night” at the Awakening. The last night of the week-long conference the squad leaders and staff were asked to be ready to pray for the participants after the teaching. I was exhausted. Stacy was witting next to me and she was getting sick. Brian was next to her and he asked, “Seriously?” We were up with none of ourselves left to give. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” That night was one of the most powerful nights of the week. Never before had the power of the Holy Spirit moved so strongly through me before. I was amazed with a huge smile as I prayed for the Racers one by one. “God, You’re really doing all this through me right now aren’t you?…Thanks.”
After a few days of rest in Brasov, Romania I hopped the train to find two of the teams serving here in Belgrade, Serbia for the month. I arrived tired from travel and confused about the team’s ministry and culture. It has taken me a day or two to adjust to the teams when I visit but this time I wanted to skip the adjustment period. Let’s just get things fixed and move one. Nope. I think God’s been wanting to move His strength in me on a more permanent basis.
Each morning pray for His voice. Each day seek His face and grace in each of the Racers. Each opportunity seek His heart for this city and nation. Each meal and conversation give thanks and praise to the Lord.
