Hebrews 12:1-2:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance, the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
….I began reading and journaling in Hebrews a little over a week ago and I finish each morning always wanting to read a little more. This morning I ran into the verse above…. It’s one that I’ve heard before, and that I’m sure anyone reading this has heard before. Usually, I wouldn’t have thought much of a verse I’ve already heard, but today I took something from it that I hadn’t before.
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Our team has had the opportunity to minister to a small group of girls who have come from different types of abusive backgrounds. Each has their own story, but it’s clear that they are somewhat ashamed and scared to speak about the things they have been through. They carry a heaviness with them, but at the same time have a depth of understanding. It’s been so fun to see their personalities unravel. I can see them thinking deeply when we talk about serious things, but also laughing easily when we mess around. They’re so sweet.
While two of them accepted Christ into their hearts, neither have had good examples of Godly men/women in their lives, and our team wanted to be that for them! They came over on a Friday for coffee and fellowship and our team decided that we wanted to be more intentional in our time with them. While some of the girls were making bracelets with them, I asked our translator if it would be okay for all of us to sit down and I would share my testimony with them. For me, that was terrifying, but it was also exciting!
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The first time I shared my testimony was during my first two weeks on the Race and it was with my team. The second time was that Friday. In a way, it was easier to share it with girls that I barely new, but then again, that was how it felt when I was with my team the first two weeks.
The most significant part of it, though, was the way I felt afterward. I was not excited to share my testimony when I began, but I knew it would benefit the girls we were ministering to, and it would change the atmosphere of our time together. I was right! Whether I was terrified/self-conscious/insecure, one of the girls felt comfortable enough afterward to tell us her story. They asked me questions, but I was really able to focus on the way God has changed me and the direction of my life.
Now I’ll share how the verse stood out to me…
When I first shared my testimony, I wasn’t confident in it….I didn’t know what value it had or the way it could minister to the girls, but I knew it was an important thing to do. I still don’t know if it made any difference to them, or if anything stood out to them, but I know that my testimony has value. Every time I have spoken out God’s truths or His promises He has lifted me up in confidence! Hebrews 12:1-2 isn’t just a verse I’ve heard before. I am surrounded with witnesses of God’s grace at home and on the race. I have been able to lay down the things weighing on my spirit, and I am able to run my own race!
I am able to look to Christ every day for confidence and He gives it to me freely.
It has been beautiful seeing the Lord’s faithfulness in this trip so far and I know His blessings will only multiply. Each day He reminds that my identity is grounded in Him, and seeing Him speak through me has humbled me, but also made me fall more in love with His Word.
Psalm 30:11-12:
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”
Once again I am thankful for a God who is faithful. Ministry has been crazy, but wonderful….God is moving in Albania!
Thank you to every one who has been praying for me. God has demonstrated over and over the power that prayer has! I’m thankful for a wonderful community of believers who lift me up in good and hard times! Please also keep our hosts in your prayers, as they continue to serve here long-term!
Lastly, I am still $2000 away from my last deadline! PLEASE consider supporting me financially as I want to continue to do the Lord’s work this year!
All my love!
