As I have been realizing the race is going to soon be over, I have been reflecting on the ways my life has changed over the last year. At our most recent squad debrief in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I had the chance to sit down with my mentor, coaches and all my squad leaders to talk about what God is teaching me.
I am a verbal processor, so it was in those sweet conversations I realized how much these last eight months on the race have impacted my life. I can feel and see that I have grown, not only in my walk with the Lord, but in my confidence as a believer. I have seen God move in incredibly huge ways and I’ve also seen him move in very ordinary ways. He has a hand in everything. In every step we take. In every word we speak. In every decision we make. He is there.
Last month during ‘manistry’ month (aka ‘womanistry’ for us ladies), I got to listen to all the testimonies from the girls on my team. In hearing about their life experiences, God revealed to me ways he has worked in my own life. There were several parts of my story I’d always thought God simply wasn’t a part of because I hadn’t been following his ways during that season. But I was wrong. He was there. He has always been there. And he will continue to be there forever. He is the only constant variable in my life. The one relationship that has never changed and will never change. The one I can trust to love me unconditionally.
God is continuing to reveal himself to me each and every day. Whether it is through hearing someone else’s story or speaking to me through writing, he is showing me more of himself. I am learning that my relationship with him will always have room for growth. I will never be fully satisfied because I will constantly want more of him. And he constantly wants more of us. That is why I am going to try to put my best effort into giving him all of me.
One night during debrief, I stood up in front of my squad and spoke truth over my life and declared that I am a woman of God! I declared that I am made new. I am pure. I will not let the sins of my past determine my future. I will keep running after Jesus’ heart for the rest of my life and will continue a life-long journey alongside him. These declarations are just a handful of many. I am so blessed to have a squad that supports me in speaking these truths.
The world race has transformed my life in many ways but one major way it has changed me is by shaping my day-to-day to look more Christ-like. I am surrounded by an incredible community of believers who push me to dive deeper into the Word. They encourage me to love well, to share what is on my heart, to go after my dreams and to be a better human being. I wake up everyday ready to push in to my God-given gifts and talents.
I am so thankful that God has placed the race in my plan. I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I were anywhere else. Its still hard to believe we are in our 9th month of the race and it will be ending shortly but I can tell you in confidence these people have changed my life for the better and there is no turning back!
