Sometimes it’s hard for me to pin-point what I’m learning at
any given moment. We did debrief last week—always introspective—and took the
long bus ride down to Panama City.
Since then I’ve been thinking about what Costa Rica taught me.
It’s funny the things that dawn on me. One of the biggest
things I learned I realized because I
was trying to convince Krystle to move to Georgia with me. The short of it is
that she was saying she wanted to spend time with her family back home for a
while after the race, and I was reminding her how much her family has grown
since she’s been away—drastic times
call for drastic measures. After that conversation I started to think about the
growth in my own family since I’ve been gone—the ways their faith and
relationship with Christ has increased by no direct help of mine.
My mom ventured out on her own and took on a tough mission
trip to the Far East including (locally) illegal
“Big Man” activities. That was a pretty big deal since she has spent (as far as
I know) all of her mission related excursions accompanied by my dad. I was so
excited for her, and I know she had an amazing trip. In addition, she just lead
a women’s’ retreat a few weeks ago—I hear she was quite the hit. I know that
God did amazing things through her and in her that weekend.
My sister has grown tremendously, and has been a huge
encouragement to me and my walk with Christ. This month she was especially vital
to me. Two weeks ago, when I was going through all of that junk I was feeling I
wrote her for help. I didn’t know what I’d get in return, and honestly I didn’t
expect more than a simple “I’m sorry you’re feeling that way, I’ll pray for
you.” Not that I’d have been disappointed if that’s what she wrote, but what
she did say was far greater. This is
what she wrote me:
“I was thinking about you today & I think you should
read James. It’s my favorite book & I always get a ton out of it. He’s very
blunt & to the point & I think we all need that sometimes. So not
really sure why buy I just felt compelled to write to tell you that… I love you!”
So when I did my quiet time the next morning I read James…and
it ended up being a HUGE encouragement to me.
This morning I shared with my team what verses made the difference
in my mindset that week.
James is talking about asking for wisdom in chapter one when
he says in verse six, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because
he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Last
year in the margin next to that verse I had written, “How can you worry (doubt)
and trust God at the same time? Not possible!” Wow! What a reminder. All week I
had been concerned about so many things—relationships, finances, circumstances when
I get home, etc. The scripture, and my own thoughts from a year ago hit me like
a ton of bricks—I wasn’t trusting God with those things.
After the weight of those words sank in a bit, I continued
on. In verse twelve of the same chapter James writes, “Blessed is the man who perseveres
under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of
life that God has promised to those who love him.” Again, the words on the page
hit me with a force much greater than ink. Christ never promised an easy journey
for us followers, but he did promise rewards in heaven for sticking it out. There
will probably be far greater trials ahead for me than just an emotionally tough
week. The question is, will I persevere? Will I still be showing my love to Christ
and my love from him to others?
I am so grateful to my sister for sharing what the Lord
placed on her heart—it really has refreshed my mind and heart toward what I
should be focused on.
