Training Camp. As said by another squad mate, it is a right of passage for any past and present racer. A place to be tested, set free, and truly come face to face with our Father. A place where the Spirit fills you, giving you the authority in Christ is truly change your life and rid your struggles. A place where you can break down and become vulnerable and have a whole sea of people behind you holding you up. This was camp, and this was awesome.
My squad and I were close friends and I probably found half my future bridesmaids in one room that week. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together, struggled together, and supported each other in things that nobody else knew. The Lord granted me with a family. A family of brothers and sisters who I will remain close siblings with forever.
Training camp was tough. Bucket showers, no running water, no bed, no air conditioning. We were stripped down to be fully focused on the reason we were present at this camp. To follow where we are being called and how we can best do that. This is my journal from day 2 of camp to show you a little what was going on in my mind early on in the week.
We are now at quite time and I was led to open 1 Peter in my bible. I started reading “Praise be to God for a living hope” that starts in chapter 1, verse 3. I chose to start in Peter this morning because I am so intrigued by his faith to step out on the water and walk to our Savior. Although he falls, Jesus is there reaffirming who He is and what He is capable of. Although this isn’t the story I am diving into this morning, I want to know more about this Peter guy. Now he is sharing with me about our living hope through Jesus Christ. The verse that is sticking out to me is as follows;
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1: 8-9
How true and how awesome. Although I am not in his physical presence, the spirt has filled me with INEXPRESSIBLE joy, reminding me of where my soul rest and in who’s hands it truly rest in. There is no need to fear the end result, because my Father in heaven is giving me incredible glimpses of what is to come.
This is true luxury. Living in company with our Lord and Savior where we will one day rest in our true home. Until then, I will be called to places I have never been to make this known to people who have never known it. I have a new heart for this and I want to put it to use. Training camp was emotionally, spiritually, and physically challenging. I was broken down to things I didn’t even recognize was a struggle in my life. I was freed. I was healed. I was so much so that I don’t know how I was living life so happy-go-lucky before stepping onto WorldRace soil. I want to live like this full time. I don’t want a day off. I fully experienced leaning on Him in every aspect. During our two mile hike I thought I wasn’t going to finish but only when I called on my Father did my pack’s weight suddenly disappear. He spoke to me through others and sent His Spirit in a fire like I have never seen. I witnessed emotional and physical healing and got to know my Papa in a whole new light.
We are a city on a hill, a holy, chosen nation, and this is what we will choose to be at all times of our lives. My team leaves for Thailand in just one month. Goodbyes are already starting to come to the home front of Cedar Falls, but I couldn’t be more excited to go out and be at home with my team, led by our Friend, our Comforter.
Abba Father You are great.
