When I talk to people about my plans for the World Race, there are some questions that frequently come up. The first is usually, "How much will that cost?!" The second, "How do you prepare…do you have to get a lot of (gasp) shots?"
What can I do to prepare for a trip that will take me around the world in 11 months? Yes, there's the part where I'm praying about financial support and sending letters and selling things…there's also a time to look up which immunizations are recommended and necessary. But really, how do I prepare myself for what's to come? Is it possible to "prepare", to "train" for this?
Sometimes when I'm with friends and there's something unusual or tough that comes up I'll jokingly say, "I'm training for the World Race". This can include anything…like the shower turning cold, eating something that is unrecognizable in the cafeteria, functioning with little sleep or learning to love difficult people. Recently, I was thinking on why I say that "I'm training for the World Race" as opposed to "I'm training to be like Jesus and spread His Name". That's what the Race is about, right? That's what our lives are about! Disciplining ourselves to listen to the Spirit, to learn to delight ourselves in the Lord, to become more like Jesus, to share His Love with the nations…
In training for this trip I am striving toward certain goals in the areas of eating healthily and working out (so I can carry that gigantic pack). I'm also striving to put great emphasis on my spiritual growth. I want to read through the entire Word again before I go, to memorize more portions of scripture and to get up earlier to spend more time in prayer. While it's great that I desire to grow more, I don't want it to be in "training" for a mere trip. The reasons for learning and growing should always be in an effort to praise and glorify the Lord. I know the Race will grow my faith and change my heart, but what if I was always striving to KNOW CHRIST and WALK IN THE SPIRIT daily…no matter my location or future plans? What if every day was a new mission field?
What would it look like if we as Christians were so in love with Christ that we chose to cut back on some of the safety nets? What if you and I put our comfort to the side and were willing to think about how we can most glorify God and spread the news about His Redeeming Love?
You see, while those initial questions of "how much will the trip cost?" and "do you have to get a lot of shots?" are not bad, they are both focused on the deeper issue of "how much will it cost you: financially, physically, mentally?" What will you have to give up? Beloved, what has Christ given up for us? Naturally these first questions are those that our minds go to, but when we constantly put our own safety and comfort before Christ we are sitting on the throne which is meant for Him alone.
