For the last 2-3 weeks, its been hard to stay focused on preparing for the World Race. Whether it was working a lot of hours (which IS good for saving money, but doing the same thing every day can get monotonous) or the enemy dragging up old temptations that I thought I was done wrestling with more or less. And for me, doing paperwork is less than thrilling to put it mildly. So I let myself get kinda overwhelmed mentally with everything I gotta get done for the trip while having to fight off thoughts of “i’m not worthy to serve on the World Race” “Are you sure this is for you” “What can you contribute if your still fighting temptations?”
Thankfully I have very supportive family and friends that have helped me to clear out the fog and regain my long-term vision. Also I’ve been listening to some podcast sermons from Mark Driscoll and he recently preached a sermon on temptation, Jesus’ temptation, and how the testing of our faith develops perseverance (James 1) which was very encouraging to hear. One of the points he made in the sermon was that the enemy tried to tempt and distract Jesus right before he began his ministry. So don’t be surprised that when God gives you an opportunity for ministry, the enemy brings opposition.
So to my fellow future racers and anyone reading this that may be feeling discouraged. “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Regardless of what you are facing, feeling, or being told by the enemy; you are more than a conqueror. You were hand-picked by God. In Christ, we are made worthy to serve. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Jesus loves and likes you! In Christ, we are free to love and serve! Thank you Jesus for setting me free!!
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” -Phillippians 3:12-14
