Last October, I headed to the middle of nowhere, Tennessee for Training Camp for the World Race. It was a week of camping, spiritual teachings, team building exercises, and getting to know those that I would be working with this whole year.
I have friends who have done the World Race before, but I didn’t know what to expect going into training camp. I didn’t know that through team building exercises, conversations, and prayer that teams would be chosen, along with their team leaders.
I got to know a few people pretty well during the week, but when they named the teams, I was on a team with people that I had hardly talked to, under a leader that I didn’t know. Nonetheless, I was excited.
Fast-forward to December, a few weeks before leaving the country, and I get a call asking if I would be willing to step into the role as my team’s leader. I was surprised. Why would they ask me? I was afraid, but I said “yes”, knowing that it was what the Lord wanted for me.
For 4 months, I served as team leader of team Hijas del Rey (which means daughters of the king). It was a difficult 4 months, but I had the time of my life with my teammates, and I know I have grown immensely. I have learned how to deal with conflict, rather than hide from it. I have learned how to have adult conversations, rather than gossip and complain. I have learned to have confidence in myself, because I am secure in my identity in Jesus Christ. Sure, I made mistakes, but I learned from those as well, and I learned to have some grace for myself. Perfection isn’t the goal, but dependence on Christ is.
Then comes the month of April, and I get another phone call. This time I was asked to be a squad leader. Rather than leading a team of 5 other women, I would be leading 41 people. Again, I was terrified, but I said “yes”. I know that this is where God wants me, and that he is going to grow me through this.
On our squad of 45 (41+4 squad leaders), I am the second youngest person. The only person younger than me is only 8 days younger than me. Because of this fact alone, I counted myself out of the running for leadership. I didn’t have a ton of confidence in myself. I didn’t think I was strong enough to lead others. But God has a plan to use me and grow me through this season.
In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel goes to Jesse’s house to anoint the new king. Jesse gathers all of this sons, except for David. Jesse didn’t even consider David, and perhaps David didn’t consider himself worthy or capable, but the Lord obviously had great plans for David.
I’m excited to step into this next season that the Lord has for me as a squad leader! I know the Lord has great plans!
Don’t count yourself out because of perceived weaknesses, and don’t count others out either! God knows every individual and he knows exactly what we need!
