Hi, Christine, here. I am currently in Month 9 and in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I have been convicted of blogging because from multiple sources I have heard that if I don't share what I'm going through then who will know? Also, who knows who might read this blog and find some kind of encouragement or God will be glorified somehow through it. So here is a just a little bit of what I'm going through right now.
The Race has been great so far and definitely worth it, but I'll admit…I'm tired. It isn't even because of jet-lag, I am just legitimately tired. There are days where I don't want to get out of bed or if I am out of bed and at ministry I don't want to talk or play with the kids. I actually enjoy manual labor so digging holes, pulling weeds, macheting, painting, sanding and things like that I can somehow muster the energy for. Yet, I am reminded that ministry is not about me. Ministry is serving God and serving others or really serving others because we desire to serve God and bring him praise. During debrief last week, we were talked to by Holli and she talked about finishing the Race well and staying present. I want to finish well because finishing well at the end of the Race will mean a good beginning to the next leg of my story. I am trying to stay present and well it can be hard sometimes. It is month 9 for me, 2/3 of the way through the Race and who knows maybe you might feel this in the first 3 months or the middle 3 months, but the goal is to NOT give up! The Race is challenging, but God has so much more in store for you. Keep running!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
– Hebrews 12:1-3
God is my strength and rock and each day as I lean on Him and desire the things of His heart, I will be able to get through anything.
"I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." – Psalm 18:1-2
So, in the moments where it may seem like God isn't listening or there isn't purpose in what you're doing, know that it's a lie from the devil. God is listening and in serving Him, even in just saying "yes" to the Race it is already part of God's plan for your life.
Continue to say "yes" to the opportunities given and press on! I know I am trying to and though some days are harder, with God it is possible. God is good all the time.
