This blog that you’re about to read was written by my Pastor, mentor, and close friend! I asked her to write this a little ways back to ultimately be an encouragement to me, and to those who are also thinking about doing the World Race, or a long missions trip. By giving God your “Yes!” You have the opportunity to impact those around you, and those back home as well.
“Just about a year ago, Vanessa came into our lives. While I had somewhat known and known OF Vanessa as an acquaintance throughout her childhood and teenage years, it wasn’t until just last year that HER life began to change ours.
Vanessa was coming home to New Jersey after having completed two years of Bible School and an internship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Lord was leading her to come home to our church, which, compared to what she was accustomed to growing up and being out in Tulsa, was quite small! It was an act of faith on her end, and I sure am thankful that she obeyed! While I was thrilled that Vanessa was coming to our church (as we had already fallen in love with her beautiful parents!), I had no idea the impact that she was about to make in such a short time.
Not only did Vanessa and I hit it off right away, but she became a part of our WHOLE family! Vanessa’s artistic flair appealed to our youngest son, and once he learned she loves art just as much as he does… paints, brushes and canvases came out pretty much every time Vanessa came over. Vanessa’s adventurous spirit and athletic qualities appealed to our oldest son, and the fact that she is a lover of soccer and all things FUN caused Noah to look forward to Vanessa’s visits with excitement and anticipation of whatever adventure would ensue. But I think the most important and beautiful relationship formed was the one between Vanessa and our daughter, Lizzie. During a season in which our then twelve-year-old Lizzie needed it the most, Vanessa scooped her up and took her under her wings, so flawlessly and effortlessly, and the bond that formed between these two was uncanny! There were coffee dates, sleepovers, road trips, and sitting together at church. I recall one specific moment, as I was thanking Vanessa for loving on our Lizzie, in whichVanessa blurted out completely from the depths of her heart, “She’s my BESTIE!” And I knew she meant it.
Vanessa’s heart to serve is unreal, so we knew the World Race was going to be not only life changing for her, but every country who encountered Vanessa would also encounter the love of Jesus and the JOY that she carries! As the time for her to leave approached rapidly, our excitement for her was mixed in with the sad reality that she was leaving. For a whole year!
Isn’t it amazing all that takes place “in the blink of an eye”? What does this phrase actually mean? It means “extremely quickly”. Vanessa became a part of our lives “extremely quickly”. Vanessa made an impact in our family and our church “extremely quickly”. Vanessa left for the World Race “extremely quickly”. Vanessa has already made an impact in many nations “extremely quickly” and will continue to do so!
Was the pain of Vanessa leaving for a year difficult for us? Absolutely. It has been difficult not only for me, but also for our Lizzie, who loves her as a best friend. When you love someone, you not only miss them, but you are concerned about their well-being, their safety, and their needs. It is such a normal part of this process. But here is the exciting part: She will be home “in the blink of an eye”! She is already halfway through her race, and being in the second half of the year, we are THAT MUCH CLOSER to seeing Vanessa!
But do you want to know what is even MORE exciting? The Bible talks about the phrase “in the blink of an eye” in 1 Corinthians 15:52:
“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also betransformed.”
Wow! This verse speaks of the coming of Jesus! It will happen “extremely quickly”. This means that while we are here on the earth, our main assignment is to bring as many as possible into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and disciple the nations. That is JUST what Vanessa is doing! Knowing that Vanessa is where God has called her to be in this season is so comforting. Why? Because the safest place to be is right smack in the middle of God’s plan for your life! You can trust GOD with your child, friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, grandchild, or sibling on the World Race because His hedge of protection is around them. When fear or concern of safety for your loved one begins to rear its head, remember these key scriptures:
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
“…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. – Jeremiah 29:11 MSG
“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” – Ephesians 3:20
I have found so much peace in the truth that His hand is upon our lives as we are running our race. No matter what country you are in or season of life, He has a race mapped out for you. In the waiting, allow the Lord to show you HIS plan for you this next half of the year. He will show you what this leg of the race looks like for YOU! How wonderful it is when we can run this race together, even from the other side of the world.
In His Love,
Nicole J”
