During worship with my team the other night God put it on my heart to share some of the revelations I have realized thus far on the race. I have experienced God in ways I only dreamed of before the race but there is still much growing to be done.
“Confession”
-I struggle with comparisons
I- can be rather judgmental
-My flesh leads me to lustful thoughts
-I think about my future as if Gods glory isn’t enough
-Sometimes dying to self isn’t appealing and I just want things my way
-I’ve evaluated relationships based on investment in this trip and my life
-We are advised against making expectations on the race… And I do anyways..
“Confirmations”
-Gods ordained my testimony and values me as his beloved son
-Gods forgiven me hundreds of times of times for the same sins (I owe people and myself some grace)
-I see sexually immorality as immoral, my hate for sin and love for purity grows each day
This last confession has weighed on my heart for some time…
I have $3,580.18 left to raise. I was a blessed college student whose parents gave the gift of a college education without any student loans. I have enough money to pay my balance.
I have received $11,919.82 in gifts from loving family and friends. This is an amount I too could have contributed if push came to shove. By no means have I meant to deceive anyone in my fundraising.
Fundraising has been a great ministry pushing me out of my comfort zone. Not only have I had to trust for Gods provision but I’ve had to trust that he loves me enough to take the burden of fundraising upon his shoulders.
Asking for money isn’t my ideal way to spend my Saturday afternoon but I’m here asking you see me through to this goal. With the power of Jesus I could heal 100 people of incurable diseases, I could feed the orphans and clothe the downtrodden of the nations but if it is out of my own means would it be as meaningful. God has blessed me with dozens of loving supporters who each have ownership in my life and those whose life I’ve touched. I owe you my supporters (and future supporters) revelations from Gods hand in my journey not because your life is moved by what team I’m on, or how I eat for $3 a day; but because each of you has tangibly lifted me to an intimacy with Jesus I could have never reached without your help. Fundraising has called me to a level of vulnerability and dependence on the body of Christ that has been nothing short of humbling and inspiring.
As a warrior in Gods army this is my call to my fellow soldiers. Can you contribute financially? Prayerfully? In my journey or a ministry that God has put on your heart. If the passion for the gospel has set your soul on fire don’t you dare settle in what’s comfortable. I urge you to seek God and ask for the the courage to step into the authority our father has given us to do his great work. The nations refer to our families, communities as well as our brothers and sisters abroad. Our enemy has never been more sophisticated so we must be increasingly bold. Cut yourself some slack, we all have fallen short and have confessions of weaknesses. In these things lies a great opportunity to seek God and all the ways he lifts us up.
-My “advanced” English class last month (Cambodia) with fellow teammates Sarah and Vivian
