Whenever I start a new journal I like to fill the first couple of pages with scripture. These verses lay out what the Lord has been doing in my life recently and what I am praying over the future. As the weeks and months go by I will occasionally flip back to those first pages and reread the passages God had laid on my heart at that time. It is always such a blessing to see how I have grown since then, how God has transformed my life through His Word.
At Training Camp I started a new journal- this one will contain the first part of my World Race adventure. In keeping with my tradition the journal begins with scripture. These passages tell my journey of being called to missions, then the World race specifically, and what I am praying over the next 11 months. I want to share this journey with you.
During the summer and fall of 2012 I felt like my life was at a standstill. I was trying so hard to move forward, but every door closed. I spent a lot of time being frustrated with God. Eventually I humbled myself before my Heavenly Father. When that happened He spoke His promises over me: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all that we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory." Ephesians 3:20-21
I still cling to that promise knowing with confidence that God is going to move in incredible ways in my life- in ways that I don't even know. In October of 2012 God brought me to Lynchburg and into a house with a beautiful girl named Nolin. Even though we'd only met a couple months before, she became a confidant and encourager. In a time of big transition she constantly pointed me toward the Lord and shared with me this passage: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19
These words helped me to push forward in my newest stage of life. I began to seek God's path and understand that Lynchburg was going to be a transitional place. Even though I had envisioned being there for a couple of years at least, God had intended it as a necessary step in calling me to missions, specifically to the World Race. One afternoon I read a verse that awakened my heart to this desire. "Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
With the overwhelming knowledge that I was meant to be out in the world among the people who so desperately need God's love and protection, I joined the World Race. The process of applying, accepting, fundraising, and preparing has not been the easiest, but it has been rewarding. During this time so many loved ones have come around me in support, my Aunt Connie being one in particular. I have always looked to her for spiritual guidance knowing that she is faithfully praying for me. This spring she shared with me that she was seeking the Lord's will on a verse to pray over me while I am on the mission field. A few days after she told me this, I received a note in the mail. I knew it would contain the verse, so I sat down in a quiet place to savor the moment. In Aunt Connie fashion, she personalized the words: "Therefore, since Logan is surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let her also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let her run with endurance the Race that is set before her." Hebrews 12:1
This verse has already been an incredible encouragement and challenge, and I can't wait to see how the words are played out in my life over the next 11 months. God also led me to a personal challenge through scripture. When I was in middle school, the Prayer of Jabez book was the fad every Christian was participating in. I tried so many times to sit down and read that book, but I could never get through it. I was always convicted that if God truly expanded my horizons and enlarged my territory, it would be challenging and take me far away from my comfort zone- I didn't want that. About a week before training camp I was having a quiet time with God and it was like that prayer jumped to my heart and mind out of nowhere. As cheesy as it may sound to some, I finally felt like my love for God and trust in His plan outweighed my fear of the unknown. I was finally able to confidently pray those words. "Jabez called upon the God of Israel saying, 'Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!' And God granted what he asked." 1 Chronicles 4:10
God is going to enlarge the borders of my life in so many ways while I'm on the World Race. I trust that He will be with me and protect me the entire time. It will be so cool to see the scripture that starts my next journal; to see how this upcoming adventure has shaped my life.
