Dear Future Racers,
I am only four months in, so I still have much to learn, but I thought I would share what I’ve gathered in our first four countries.
I will start by saying that the single most important thing that I have learned thus far is how to communicate with God. Listening Prayer is a wonderful thing. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, or if you want to grow in this discipline, check out Seth Barnes’ book, Art of Listening Prayer – it is helpful for beginners and novices. Prayer should be dialogue, not rhetorical. Practice hearing God’s voice and realize that He speaks in many ways through many different media.
I also have experienced/witnessed the power and authority of God, firsthand. There is no substitute for that – seek it out, ask Him to show you who He is. Be careful though because He is almighty, so if He were to reveal His whole self, you would not be able to handle it – ask Him to show you what you can handle; ask for a challenge, but not an overwhelming display. Then continue to ask Him to stretch you.
Third, the community on the Race is an incredible place for growth. Start early in creating a safe space for you and your teammates and squad mates. Be open, be honest. Talk about the things that challenge you, that frustrate you, that encourage you, and listen to others when they share the same. Discuss important topics of faith, spirituality, discipleship, etc. Disagree respectfully. Ask God what He has for you, find a spiritual discipline or simply a character trait that He wants you to grow in, share that with your teammates and squadmates, and allow them to walk alongside you as you grow.
Next, I have discovered that no matter how many times you read the Bible, or even a passage of scripture, there always is more to learn. So read often; highlight, underline, and annotate. Basically, study it like it contains the secret to eternal life (spoiler alert: it does).
There are numerous other things that I have learned, but soon you will have the opportunity to learn them yourselves, so let me leave you with a final thought:
Come with an open mind an an expectant heart, and look for God to show up.
#LAGS,
Drew
