how has the world race changed me? while it has provided friends, adventures, and the sweetest moments it ultimately hasn’t.
during a house visit in Guatemala my team was visiting a local family. the only son in the family was around the age of 6. while always displaying a large grin this boy also harbored the inability to walk. he had no control over his feet and legs to be able to place them one in front of another.
during our visit to this house we took notice to this young boy who commonly hid behind his grandmother. Aderkee, our friend and translator, called him out from behind his grandmothers leg. he began to ask him about his favorite toys and games to play. soon the boy warmed up to Aderkee and began to trust him.
we asked our new little friend if we could pray for him. he said yes.
over the next fifteen minutes we lifted our voices to the Father in prayer and song. men were moved to tears by the compassion they had on this young man. he was also moved to tears, he was afraid. so we prayed for that as well. we poured out our hearts to the Lord asking that he would bring healing to this boy.
Then the Lord gave me a revelation. he reminded me of 1 Samuel 16:7 which says
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
being able to walk isn’t eternal life. yes, being able to walk is nice. it is a generous gift from the Father. but it is not eternal life. eternal life is to know Jesus and his Father who sent him.
the world race is incredible, but it isn’t eternal life.
the world race has aided me in creating a space in my life to invite the Lord to move. it’s emphasis on prayer, reading scripture, healthy community, heart searching conversations, and an abundance of worship has come along side of me to teach me.
the Lord has used these tools to change me on the world race. he has grown a desire for his word and a passion for worship. he has confirmed the identity and authority that he has given me. he has shown me my heart while also growing it for my brothers and sisters who don’t know how to walk with him yet.
but i think most significantly, looking back at the race, i now have a desire for prayer where i haven’t in the past. i want to spend so much time seeking the Lord’s presence. asking him questions. praising who he is. lying on my face in silent reverence. giving my heart to my King and cultivating a deep deep intimacy, out of which, my ministry can easily flow.
all glory to God!
this growth could have looked so different. i am blessed that it happened within the world race. the world race does so well to gently hold its participates so that God can mold and work on them. getting to be under the leadership of kate, brook, and philip has been a blessing. they continually challenged me to pursue God.
so yes, if you’re thinking about the world race. do it.
stay stoked,
reed
