Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
There I was….standing in the field. Vibrant purples, blues, pinks, and reds were painted across the land. A field of flowers like no other, and it was breath taking. I stood there just taking it all in. As I continued to gaze out at the field Jesus walked up beside me, grabbed my hand, interlocked His fingers with mine, and said, “this….this is how you will finish your race. Hand-in-hand with me, and it will be beautiful”.
That was a vision that the Lord gave to me during my last week in month 8 (Northern Ireland) during an intimate worship session. It was the first vision I have ever had, and I had been struggling with trying to find the balance of being present, but preparing for home. The timing was so perfect.
….fast forward to month 11….
I arrive to Lezhe, Albania. Mountains, ocean, and beautiful flowers everywhere. We were told that we would be working hard in the morning, and having the afternoons and weekends off. Our contact was consistently pouring into us with morning devotionals, and Sunday morning scripture. God was holding true to His vision for me.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. – Isaiah 55:13
We were having a worship practice one night, and I had another vision….a continuation of the vision from Northern Ireland. I was on a cliff, looking down, and mesmerized by all the spaciousness in front of me. I looked behind me and there was the beautiful field of flowers behind me….the field from before. I looked forward again to admire what was in front of me, and realized I was on a mountain….at the peak of the mountain. Once again, Jesus was beside me, and His arms were wrapped around me. He then looked at me and said, “look….you made it. Now keep in mind, you will have to get off the mountain at some point, but for now….soak it in….enjoy every bit of it. Well done, Skylar….well done.”
I’ve made it! U, V, W, and X squads….we’ve made it! We have followed the calling of setting our expectations aside, and setting out on this race over a year ago….and here we are.
We’re at the peak of the mountain, overlooking the beauty that surrounds us. Seeing God’s promise that we would finish this race beautifully, and that He would be hand-in-hand with us to the end. That He wouldn’t leave us….that we would finish strong. Thank you Jesus for your abundant faithfulness, and continual pursuance of our hearts.
“His master replied, ‘well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:21
