At Launch in Chicago, there were two poignant messages that struck me. Both messages were about abundant life and how we should live in order to bring life wherever we go. Being positive, thankful people who bring life where we go is what God has asked of us on the World Race.At Launch in Chicago, there were two poignant messages that struck me. Both messages were about abundant life and how we should live in order to bring life wherever we go.
We have the power to choose how we will affect and influence those around us. The choice is ours. Will I be ruled by my emotions on a bad day, or when I’m feeling sick or down? Or will I live in the freedom I have received and share it with others?
We have the power to choose how we will affect and influence those around us. The choice is ours. Will I be ruled by my emotions on a bad day, or when I’m feeling sick or down? Or will I live in the freedom I have received and share it with others?
In the last week since arriving at launch and then traveling through 4 airports before arriving in Johannesburg, I have already had several opportunities to bring life rather than complaining, stressing, or getting frustrated. And I have not done well. More like…I have failed. I have not always chosen patience and grace. I have not spoken life into my teammates when I should have, or affirmed them when I should have.
Living in community is hard. Each day and each interaction, I have a decision to make before responding. Will I bring life into this situation, or will I bring people down?
God really showed me at Launch that there are two things in my life that are holding me back from complete freedom in Him. Criticism and comparison are the chains that have bound me. Sean Smith, an AIM staff member, said at training, "We are not sick people being made whole; we are whole people shaking off sickness." Here is my declaration: I am already whole and already freed through Christ, and through Him I am shaking off these things that are negative in my life and holding me back.
My heart is grateful, even though the process is painful, for God showing me what I'm shaking off. I have LIFE and it is my privilege to take LIFE to the places I'm going. Jesus came to bring life, and life to the fullest. He wants us to do the same.
