Luke 9:23 “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
These words are what I told my best friend this year would be about. I knew there was a lot of truth in that, but I had no idea how much. This trip has been eye-opening and I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve learned I have trust issues with men because of the men that have or haven’t been in my life. I’ve learned that my default reaction when I feel like I’m losing someone close to me is to be clingy. But most of all, I’ve learned that in order to truly put Christ first you have to deny yourself.
For me, this has looked different throughout the Race. In the beginning, it was actually accepting the fact that I couldn’t control certain situations. Through accepting this truth, I started the process of denying parts of who I was to focus on Christ. Not everything I’m denying this year is bad; some things just aren’t for this time and season. I’m glad I started accepting that.
In denying yourself you start to see who He says you are. You start to see who you really are! Peter 1:18-19 says “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
YOU ARE REDEEMED.
1 John 3:1 it says “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
YOU ARE HIS CHILD.
2 Corinthians 5:20 it says “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
YOU ARE HIS MESSENGER.
This is who He says you are! You are a redeemed child of God who’s purpose is to share His love with EVERYONE you meet. And when we start taking ourselves out of the picture and truly denying ourselves we really start to see that! I already knew this truth, but now He’s starting to show me a whole new perspective.
I’m excited for the end of this journey. I’m excited about it because it’s just the beginning of a lifetime of new and exciting revelations and lifestyle that is focused on Him for my identity. He’s so faithful to guide us and His plans are better.
Thank for reading and until next time.
P.s. If you would like to help support me in what the Lord is pushing me into by donating, here are the way you can do that!
Venmo: @tylerslebeau
PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/tylerslebeau
And if you don’t have those options, you can send money/checks to this address: 406 Lakeside Dr, Carriere, MS 39426, USA
Also, here’s the blog where I explain what I’m fundraising for and the big picture behind it!
Blog: https://tylerlebeau.theworldrace.org/post/fundraising-again-and-the-dream-gods-put-on-my-heart
