The closer the Race gets, the more I am tempted to become nervous,
even verging on “cold feet,” with various fears and challenges coming to mind. And
I know that several of my teammates are experiencing similar struggles
currently. However, I know I have been called, I have said “yes,” and I am
going, despite how I feel (a God-glorifying way to use my stubbornness!). In
talking to a teammate yesterday, an analogy to describe my and my teammates’
current sentiments came to mind: a bonfire. From a distance, a bonfire is quite
appealing. Yet, as you get closer, you begin to sense the heat. And the closer
you get, the more intense the heat gets. When you actually get next to the
bonfire, the heat can be so intense that it’s almost scary. That’s kind of how
I feel right now – I am beginning to experience the heat. But fire is also
refining, and I know that God is going to use this coming year to refine me (He
already is) while also using me to love others with His love, both on my team and
in the places we go, increasing my capacity to love as I am continually
refined. Please continue to be praying for me and my teammates as we prepare for
this incredible journey ahead!
Be self-controlled and
alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know
that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of
sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and
make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever.
Amen. – I Peter 5:8-11
