Something that i have heard so much since signing up for and departing on the world race is how much spiritual growth you can encounter because of the radical nature of the trip. People have said they grew in their faith and in intimacy with the Lord on the Race than any other time in their lives, including post race.
First thought, this is so exciting. I indeed have been growing spiritually so much on the Race. I have experienced a hunger for the Word and for the presence of the Lord in my life. More than any other time that I remember in my life. I have been challenged in ways that I never have before and have forsaken so much of my old thinking and habits. I began to think of why there is so much growth on the race and what contributes to it.
1. We have constant godly community around us all the time. We are in a community of believers that have the same mindsets about what Kingdom work looks like and what we felt like we are being called to do. Some of us are used to being the “radical” Christian at home or the “godly one” in our friend groups. Now all those individuals are together in one crazy amazing group. So, needless to say, there is so much support given and truth being spoken over each other. We call each other out and up on struggles and attitudes, and come around each other in times of need. Hard not to grow in a community like this.
2. We have so much space for time with the Father and and are so encouraged to dive into the scriptures and journal daily. Its almost hard to not find space for it. Personally, I have been in the Scriptures or journaling or listening to a sermon podcast almost every single day. Again, setting us up for growth.
3. We are actively on mission every month, pouring into locals and ministries and pastors and orphans and women. We are pouring out into others so much and serving in so many astounding and diverse ways. Serving others is part of our daily lives on the Race.
These three things create a trifecta in which its nearly impossible to stay stagnant. Of course, you can if you really try, but all in all, growth is merely the inevitable product of such an environment in life.
I have been struggling with the thought of can I remain this tuned into my relationship with the Lord and can I continue growing in my intimacy with the Lord even when I go back to America. There are so many distractions, and finding time for work and friends and family all seems so overwhelming. This last week so much truth was spoken into those worries and fears and Ive realized that its MY choice whether or not to continue growing.
I can go back to the states in seven months and fall back into a routine of living for myself and filling my time with selfish pursuits and distractions. Or I can work for my environment. On the race its provided, but at home its going to take work on my part to create the environment in which I can have godly community and create the space and time to continue my intimacy with the Father.
Being an influential part of my community, church, and friends is what has been put on my heart. I want to pursue deeply the relationships and community that I will have when I am home. I want my time with the Lord and my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ to be at the center, so that the overflow of the Lord in our lives will just spill all over the world!
I have been so convicted lately about how I even think about life. We were put on this earth to glorify the name of the Lord and to share the freedom that comes with following Christ. So, the fact that I am being caught up in myself and what I want when I’m home, or what I want people to think of me, is so ridiculous. My only mission on this earth is to shout His glory and to spread His love. And what a wonderful and soul-satisfying love that it is.
Jesus is a free gift, but following Christ will cost you everything. Nothing in the world matters more than Christ and our mission to bring Him to every corner of the earth and to everyone that we meet.
For me personally, these sacrifices include certain friendships, goals that I had held onto for so long, and my idea of what I wanted my life to look like. The Lord has taken my goals, aspirations, and my ideals for my life and completely shook them up and turned them around. His plan for my life is what I want for my life. His plans are the ultimate and will bring the fulfillment that I need and want in my life. Its foolish to hold the belief that we can know what is best for ourselves.
What I want and what I need have finally alined, and the Lord has been rocking my world in showing my what passions He has instilled for me and what He has for my life. And its up to me to seek the environment in which I will thrive in Him when I get home.
Anyone can have immense growth and intimacy with the Father, if we only create the space, time, and community for it. You don’t have to be in another country with only a backpack to your name, he uses anyone in any place. Its hard to release control and ideals, but if we just throw our hands up and give Him control, He will blow your mind.
Give it up to Him.
Seek godly environment.
Pursue Him relentlessly.
Create time for Him first.
Ask Him to wreck your world and I promise He will come through in ways that will amaze. We are on this earth for one reason and one reason ONLY. Lets get it, Christ followers.
