One hundred racers just returned from spending a year around the world. We’re together here in Gainesville for a week. We’ve invited twenty other organizations in to speak to them about their opportunities today.
The racers have glimpsed the kingdom and can’t go back to a system focused around shallow values. They’ve tasted how exciting life can be and now they’re trying to figure out how to answer the question, “What’s next?” They’re not OK with the injustices they’ve seen.
Yesterday Andrew Shearman told them, “All you need is your passport and a ticket.” His point was to encourage them to get in motion. I heard that one of the racers went out afterward and booked a ticket to Thailand.
We prayed for Clinton White, the A squad leader, leaving for a long-term assignment to Ukraine.
I talked to Annie Walker, who has opened a cake-cooking business, and Anna Notario, who started
Bananarchy.
I’m hoping some of them will go to South Sudan where Uche has got hundreds of young people he needs help discipling.
I’m hoping that a few will join Adventures teams that are headed long-term to Thailand, Swaziland, Cambodia, Ireland, and India.
I’ll be speaking twice and talking one-on-one with about 20 of them. It’s a thrill connecting them to people who have answers to their questions.
If you were me, what would you say to them?
I’m quite sure you will speak more eloquently or with more inspiration than I could, but I’d tell them:
“Just do it, and do it now. Don’t give yourself the time to pick up old habits and routines and relationships and get pulled back into life pre-race.
Give God motion to steer. If you have even an inkling of a place you’d like to see changed get going and see what God does with your willing heart and service.”
I’m hoping they will listen to the call God has for each. I’d love to hear of some going and joining Uche! Or in another like minded country.
God bless them and all of you who are helping to inspire and open doors.
I might say something like this:
“Get around the world, before the world gets around you”.
Meaning, become established and victorious as a serving Christian before the world makes you a served and comfortable Christian.
Get rid of or get control of the desire to feed self, so that when you have a full table set before you, you will know how to act at your right seat at the table.
Stay connected with like minded Christians who will help you get to where you need to be – living in Zion without Jebusites, and stay distant from (but visible to) double-minded Christians who will weigh you down and keep you in the desert – sitting in a pew.
Get control of your desires to be entertained in the world, before the world gets control of you and determines what you do.
So, go forth. Do not think about going back. Practice Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things will be added to you, as well.
Forget everything that the world tells you to be and be who God has called you to be. What is your heart telling you to do? Do it. You have the ability to change lives for the better, you are chosen to lift up the broken. The world needs God through you, what are you going to do about it?
Dream and then mobilize; wield the strong arm of faith, not sensible understanding. Dwell in the deep sorrow that broken hearts bear long enough to understand, really understand the power of love and allow that to cast out the fear that keeps you stuck. GO!
Start. Just start. Once you begin moving, the rest will take shape.
There’s much bad news out of South Sudan and Sudan today. But you could be carrying the dream, the vision, the anointing… that will usher-in that great joy (as was in Samaria- Acts 8:8)the impoverished peoples, especially the children who are the hope of a new Nation are waiting for. Yes, they are waiting for you… praying for your arrival. The time to go in now.
I am praying for these Racers. I WOULD STAND UP AND LOOK THEM EYE TO EYE AND TELL THEM THAT THEY REALLY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! I really mean it! If any of them feel God’s tug to reach out to beautiful girls caught in the sex trade (along with orphans, widows and the poor), Wipe Every Tear has got a place for them in the Philippines!
Oh, how I love what God is doing through the World Race! God bless you guys REAL GOOD!