The day has finally arrived. I will be leaving tomorrow on the World Race!
After months of preparation and raising support, I am ready to embark on the most epic journey of my life! The Lord has been growing me and equipping me spiritually throughout this entire process. I am so thankful that he gave me this opportunity again!
Farewells aren’t always easy. Let’s be real, they can be heart wrenching! For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster. There were days I felt super excited to leave, and other days I felt super anxious. Some days, I just cried.
The reality is that this is not going to be easy. It’s going to be hard. Really Hard! There will be days I’ll want to quit. Days where I feel inadequate. Days where I don’t feel like doing ministry. Days where I am going to feel weak and tired, and days where I’m just going to want to come back home. I hold onto this simple phrase:
But GOD (I love saying that).
But GOD, chose me for The World Race. He chose me before the foundations of the earth to go and serve those who are hurting, those without hope, to heal the sick, to watch over orphans, to love on widows, to minister to women in human trafficking, and to be a light to the world.
As I met with the Lord, he showed me two scriptures in John 15:16 and Philippians 1:6.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
These are some of the promises of God! I can rest in his sovereignty. I can rest in knowing he is FOR me. I have this assurance that I will not be doing this alone. He’s got my back!
I asked God why he choose me for this. Why me, God?
Then he led me to one of my favorite verses in Ephesians 2:10,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Wow. He created me for good works! Not because I’m a holy person and not because I’m perfect, but simply because He created me to do good, incredible amazing, things. Most importantly, he created me to be loved by Him and to share his love with others.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
He created you too, for good, great, amazing, epic, “Out of this World,” things!
Now, this will be my last blog before I leave. I won’t have internet access for the first six weeks while I am out on the field but don’t worry, folks! I’ll be sure to update you on how the journey once we get wifi ( pray for wifi ). So before I go, I just want to take this time to express how utterly grateful I am to all my supporters!
First, I want to recognize those of different faiths who supported me. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I HONOR YOU. Why? Because despite our beliefs, you believe in humanity. You believe there is still hope for this world. You believe that people need to be loved. You believe in me! It’s not always easy to give especially when it feels like everyone is after selling you the latest things or scamming you for money. I want you to know that this is NOT the case. I’ll be sharing with you blogs, pictures and videos of my team and how we’re doing throughout the duration of this trip. You will not be left out in this journey.
My prayer for you is that Jesus will continue to make himself known to you as he has done for me. I pray that you learn more of who he is and that you will know his immense love for you. I pray he impacts you in such a way that you choose him just as he has already chosen you.
Secondly, to everyone, THANK YOU! Thank you to those who haven’t stopped praying for me since I was a little girl. Thank you to so many who helped me make this decision back in May. Thank you to those who encouraged me, supported me, and prayed over me. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being there through the dark times. Thanks for going through the darkness with me. Thank you for lifting my head up and telling me, “Christa, it’s going to be ok.” Thank you for reminding me of God’s love and that he has a plan for my life. Thank you for giving. Thank you for entrusting me to the Lord for 11 months. Thank you for reassuring me of his faithfulness. THANK YOU.
My prayer is that God will continue to renew your strength and trust in him this year. That you would draw closer to him as you seek him daily. That you would share his love with others. That you would yield to his Spirit, and make yourself available for him to use you mightily for others. He can do far more than we could ever ask or even imagine!
Now, I know some of you have already started your New Year’s resolutions. For some, you may have already quit.
So, I want to give you a NEW YEAR’S CHALLENGE for the next 11 months. As God is going to be refining, molding, and shaping me for the next year, I believe he wants to do the same for you. I have a list of 10 things you can do that will motivate you and help you reach your goals for 2017. Here it is:
- FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO AND DO IT! If it makes you feel alive (and it’s safe) then go after it, especially if it for your good and for the good of others.
- STICK IT OUT. Many of you have started a diet/workout plan, or have planned to save this year, or maybe be home more with family. Whatever it is, stick to it! If you have a cheat day or mess up here and there don’t condemn yourself. Start over, but just don’t stop. In doing so, you’ll be taking care of YOU and the things that mean the most to you.
- STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR YOURSELF! Period. Just stop.
- DON’T PLAY THE VICTIM. I want you to hear, that whatever you feel is valid, however it’s what you do with those feelings that’s important. If someone has offended you, go to them and fix it! Don’t let it fester in your heart and don’t announce is on social media. Also, stop feeling sorry for yourself. YOU’RE STRONG! You have more to offer the world than you think.
- ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS: like a sunset, a smile, the way a child plays with their parents, or the smell of coffee in the morning (ummm, I love that smell). It just makes you open your eyes to how beautiful the world can actually be.
- BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Fear is the culprit that’s holding you back. Fear is what compels us to quit. This year, let fear propel you to finish what you started, to not give up on yourself, and to keep pushing forward. Know that not all success stories started out…well, successful. Failure molds you, builds your endurance, motivates you, and makes you stronger.
- SLOW DOWN AND REST. This is important. Don’t forget to regroup and rest. This is so hard in our society because we’re always on the go. A battery doesn’t work if it’s not recharged, just like a car doesn’t drive without fuel. Take naps, and enjoy them!
- EAT AND BE MERRY. Ok, so a cookie won’t hurt, guys! Unless it triggers you to spiral out of control then I recommend you not eat it. If you’re sticking to rice cakes and peanut butter, than you enjoy them! And don’t let anyone convince you that a fudge brownie is better, ok! But enjoy the present. Enjoy life. Enjoy the company of your family, friends, or significant others.
- FORGIVE. Let it go. I know, I know easier said than done but it’s a must if you want to experience true joy. Stop drinking that poison! We are human and we all make mistakes. Love them anyway and keep moving in freedom because you deserve it.
10.Lastly, but MOST importantly, SEEK GOD. Deuteronomy 4:29 says “But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all you soul.” If you’ve been following my posts and my blogs, I’m convinced that he has already begun to stir up something inside of you. Seek him. Learn about him. Ask questions. Get to know him. He is patiently waiting for you.
Ok, I have to add one more: DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE. Seriously, go out there and make someone’s day by buying them lunch, or surprising them with flowers, or their snack. Write someone a love letter (like with paper and a pen). Listen to someone else’s struggles. Pray for them. Give a smile. Tell a funny joke to someone who is down. It’s not about us, guys. People needed to be reminded that they matter.
How does that sound, everyone? I believe you can do it. Let 2017 be your year!
For myself, God has been impressing on me that I have a light, but I’ve let it go dim. Not anymore! This year, I want to SHINE the love of Christ. My prayer daily is that they would see Christ through my actions, my words and by the way I live. May I decrease as you increase, Jesus.
I want to leave you with this final thought. Know that there is something good in a good bye. It means something has ended, whether permanently or temporarily. It means something new is coming. It means a fresh start. A new beginning! So, although its bittersweet, I know God has something in store for us this year. Get excited, peeps!
I love you all so much. Thank you again for helping me reach my goal! I will miss you all.
See you in 11 months!
XOXO,
CHRISTA
