So on the World Race, we have these fun little things called “giving keys”. Before we launched in January our entire squad was given these keys by leadership. They had prayed into a word for each of us. The purpose behind these keys is to ask God to reveal the meaning behind the word given to us and to grow in that area. Once we feel like we have matured in that area, we are usually prompted by the Spirit to pass it along to a new steward. The word I was given at the beginning of the race was “family,” and in month 3, I was given the key “deep faith” by one of my dear friends.
I have held on to both of these keys and really sought out the significance behind both.
So… “family.”
I am not gonna lie, this word really caught me off guard at launch. I was definitely not expecting it. Most people get a word like “free” or “His.” Not the case for me. So I started thinking through what this could possibly mean. I have gone through a couple of rough patches with my parents over the years, so I thought it might have been interrelated with the key. However, when I began to talk to Pops about it – He said that wasn’t it. So for months now, I have been confused and intrigued by what purpose this key held.
Fast forward to month 8 in Kazakhstan, I am being prayed over by 3 Kazak women, tears streaming down my face. I had found out that one of my friends back at home had committed suicide. My heart was broken and to be honest I was at a loss. Angry. Confused. Hurt. I had shared with our small group in the village what was going on, and without hesitation they asked to pray for me. Although I could not understand the words that they were speaking over me, I could feel it in my spirit. Right then & there, Pops revealed to me – this is your family.
Although we may look different, come from various backgrounds, and speak another language – one common thing unites us. This very thing is the blood of Jesus Christ. Once we make that commitment to follow Jesus we are adopted into being a daughter and a son of the Highest King. Across the world, in a random house in a village, I am surrounded by my family. My understanding of this word was so simplistic, when it was meant to be so much more complex.
The Lord prompted me to pass along my key to a sweet girl named Madina. She worked alongside the cook to provide meals for us during the dig site. She has a heart of gold, along with a servant attitude. Madina goes above and beyond for the people around her. I have no doubt that the Lord has big plans ahead for her.
My next key was “deep faith.” This key also had a very significant role in my journey thus far, even before this trip. I mean just about a year ago is when I had fully decided I was going on this trip. Now a year later I am sitting in a coffee shop in Azerbaijan writing a blog on the impact this trip has made on my life.
So looking into the word deep – the definition of it used as an adjective is extending far in width, broad. As an adverb it is described as profoundly; intensely.
Faith is defined as confidence or trust in a person, as well as belief that is not based on proof (meaning something tangible)
So together, another way to describe “deep faith” is an intense extension of trust in a person.
Honestly, these past 8 months have taught me a lot about trust in the Lord. Even when I cannot see the outcome, and it looks like everything is hitting the fan, God is still in control. God is still good. God has a plan. God cares for me.
In saying all of this, I believe I have an intense extension of trust in God that I have never given anyone else. I have learned that I will follow God any where He asks me to go to do anything He wants me to do. (to the point that sometimes I don’t want to ask, because I am scared of the answer) I have no idea what I am doing after these next three months, but I do have deep faith that whatever it may be – it will be good. Because it will be wherever the Lord takes or leads me.
Which brings me to Daut. This kid is on absolute FIRE for the Lord. He shared his testimony with our small group – and holy cow… God’s work in his life is EVIDENT. He is only 19, but is wise beyond his years. Once again, the Lord nudged my heart to pass along my key. I had the impression that the Lord was going to use this next season to really deepen his faith and during this time the Lord would give him a lot of revelation moving forward. So entrusted him with the key and to be a good steward of what was given to him. I cannot wait to see how God uses him to advance the kingdom in his future ministry!
Two keys down, a lifetime to learn.
