I’m a word girl. I love words. I love how just one can shape a perspective so greatly. The Lord has given me a word to be the overarching theme of my Race – STRETCH.
Also, instead of New Year’s Resolutions, for the past couple of years I’ve sought the Lord for just one word. One word to meditate on, which would shape my thoughts, and in turn, shape my daily actions, ultimately shaping my year.
My word for 2014 is PRESS. “Not that I have already attained or am already perfected, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus had laid hold of me…I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:12 & 14
Here in Bulgaria this month, four months into this “pressing season” and seven months into my Race, I got tired of pressing. It’s hard. Not only was the Lord calling me to stretch – and believe you me, there are stretching situations multiple times a day – but also to press in. Deeper into Him. Into the Word. Into ministry. Into knowing, being sharpened by, and sharpening my teammates…
I repeat – it’s hard.
I found myself looking towards the end of the Race, when I could reflect upon all of the amazing growth I’d walked through, instead of seeking ways I could grow in the moment. An apathetic mindset for someone with four more months of the World Race.
Apathy is dangerous.
When in my Bible a few days ago, I read Christ’s words in John 4. Verse 35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”
Ouch.
The danger of wishing away my time, of desiring the growth but not the growing – of saying there are still four months and then comes the harvest – robs myself the opportunity of being a part of the NOW harvest. Sure, pressing is hard. Being stretched is hard. Sure, I have four more months of my 11 in 11 journey.
But the harvest is here
and it’s now
and it’s worth it.
From my heart,
Erika Venese
