Awakening: coming into existence or awareness.
At first, I was wondering why the heck it was called an “awakening.” Did I really need to be awakened? I’m pretty tired, but really? After these past few days, however, I get it. It was actually a time of coming into existence or awareness. God showed me some pretty cool stuff (ie. brought me into awareness).
First off, what is an Awakening? An Awakening is when multiple squads in the same region get together for a time of mutual encouragement, growth, processing, and worship. The following is a brief summary of to what I was awakened.
Session 1: Ownership
We were challenged to own our pasts, our basements- the dark places that we store our junk and never set foot in, much less show others. We were challenged to see how God was good in those times or struggles. So I did that.
I dug up my boxes. I found the things that I like to burry and pretend they don’t exist. I shared/owned up to those things with a dear friend here on the race. She gave me some great wisdom and insight into them and then just sat with me. Presence is so valuable, I could probably write a whole blog on that (and might sometime).
Activation: Evangelism and Intercessory Prayer
On Saturday morning, we had time where we were able to either go out and share with people that God loves them and how they can start a relationship with Him (ie. The Gospel) or stay back and pray for the people going out and for those they would be interacting with (intercessory prayer).
Intercessory prayer is what I felt like God was leading me to do. I went out into the hotel by myself and prayed over all my fellow Racers and the interactions that were taking place throughout the town. Some others who were interceding stayed together and worshiped. It was altogether a beautiful time. My next blog will actually be on this experience so keep an eye out for that!
Session Number Last: Worship
Our last session turned into a two hour time of worship. There were so many people completely captivated and in awe of who God is and what He was doing. I, however, was struggling with feeling alone, invisible, and completely unconnected from the worship that was going on. It was a time when I felt completely empty from pouring out all that day. Later that night, I was prayed over by one friend and spend time with a few others, which allowed me to be filled back up.
Conclusion:
All in all, the Awakening was stretching. God awakened me to the fact that I have needs and emotions that are equally as important as others. He made me aware that feeling His Spirit in me doesn’t come whenever I want but when He wants and that is okay. He showed me that I need to take ownership of everything in my life—the good, the bad, and the ugly—because all of it happened for a purpose and glorify Him.
If you’re a Racer or a potential Racer reading this, prepare to be made aware, prepare to be challenged, prepare to get an intense dosage of Jesus. It’s a good time.
