I remember my first kiss. It was awkward. I didn’t really know what to do. But then I learned.
I remember my first Home Run. I was about 12. It wasn’t until I rounded first base that I turned to see the ball had sailed over the left-field fence and was bouncing among the palm trees. I couldn’t believe it. I walked a little taller that day. I had a little more confidence the next time I stepped up to the plate.
I experienced God in a lot of new ways in my own World Race experience (Oct ’08 to Sept ’09). Sometimes I felt awkward. I didn’t always know exactly how to approach the King of Kings in intimacy. I wasn’t always sure that when I “got a word” it was actually form the Lord. I had to step out in faith. I had to try new things. And then I learned.
I would share a word of encouragement or challenge with a teammate only to learn I was touching on the very thing that person had been praying about for the last two days. I would offer a prayer that would break something loose in a teammates heart. I grew in confidence. I knew it was possible to encounter the Lord in trust and friendship. I began to believe that he does speak to me. I could sense Him in the little things. Ministry brought new life. I didn’t have to try so hard. My faith came alive.
Now I get to walk alongside 50+ God-chasers from the June 2010 World Race as they experience these things for themselves. They are realizing that the promises God has had for them over the years are not lies. They are finding that the Lord meets them when they are alone in the prayer closet and when they are surrounded by orphans begging for attention. They are ministering to their teammates daily and finding that the Lord speaks in and through their hearts for one another.
As I get to challenge and encourage these amazing young folks on the journey, I am seeing God expand the boundaries of my joy as well. I am doing what he created me to do. I am walking with people as they pursue more of their heavenly father. I get to see my new friends wrestle with what it means to be a true disciple. I am seeing them reevaluate all that they have ever known of their God. They are expanding the scope of faith in their lives.
It was exciting to experience these things myself. It may be even more exciting to be around when other people experience these firsts, knowing that the Lord is empowering them for amazing Kingdom work.
