This blog was written halfway through Month 2 of my Race (El Salvador), but I knew I needed to wait to post it until I experienced Month 4 of my Race in Romania.
Schimba. Romanian for change, transform, improve.
Where did this word come from? One of my squadmates, Amanda Fackler, prophesied this word over me at a Friday evening church service in San Vicente. Amanda has been gifted with prophesy and the understanding of languages. She said the Lord told her that during The Race, I will be undergoing continual change. This change will always be good. If I actively pursue and chase after changing my heart and character, it will happen, and I will not be let down or disappointed by the changes.
Amanda and I riding the city bus in Pitesti, Romania
(Amy, Katie, and Misty are in the back!)
I so desperately want this change that Amanda spoke of. I want to displace the bad coping mechanisms, the orphan heart, the frustrations of living in community, the independence, and the mistrust. These past and current heart issues negatively impact my relationship with God, and prevent me from fully experiencing His abounding love. I don’t want even a small portion of my heart still tied down to iniquity because God needs ALL of my heart.
My Month 2 El Salvador Community
At the Sunday afternoon church service just two days later, Amanda sat next to me for the service. By the end of service, the Lord told her to talk to me again about the change He has in store for me. The note she wrote me may be one of the most impactful prophesies I have yet to receive. In the note, she said we serve a God of details who knows what He is doing when undergoing changes to our hearts and guiding us through life. She discussed Numbers 17 (the 12 rods representing the 12 tribes) as an example of God’s omnipotent character. She said God has all of the details of my life planned out, and He is going to use my life to produce some “major almonds.” She also stated that God has big plans for the spiritual gifts He has given me and will give me. She said I may not be ready for these gifts yet, but when they come to full fruition, He will do big things in my life that I NEVER thought possible. She told me to read Psalm 19 and John 14 as well. She ended with, “Change is so good. Don’t be afraid of it.”
Jill and I sitting on top a truck at a rural church service in San Vicente
Wow. Is that not a “knock your socks off” note that is so exciting yet intimidating as well? My first inclination is to worry about whether or not I can handle such great expectations. But, I quickly remind myself that through Him, all things are possible.
I have a feeling Romania (month 4 of The Race) will play a significant part in this change that the Lord has for me.
Hosanna and I atop a clock tower in San Vicente
