06/27/2024 – Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
I am currently half way done with my race. Here is the real, raw, world race experience.
The pressure cooker is how the world race has been described to us since training camp. You get thrown in the pot, cooked under high heat while being tenderized – symbolizing a short time to go through major growth. This statement runs true, but let me expand and give even more clarity.
The starfish
The other day walking on the beach with my parent coach we ran into a starfish. We picked it up to see that it was still alive, we threw it in the creek that flows out to the ocean. Immediately when tossed in the water this happened: it flipped, it tumbled, it got caught in a side stream, hit a rock, tumbled over, landed on a dry spot. We went to put him back into the main stream to flow back into the ocean and he drifted down properly.
This starfish is the world race experience. You will get tossed and flipped, it will seem you’re going down the wrong direction or path, you will run into hard obstacles, you will find dry solid ground, and you will make your way through to the ocean.
- You will go through trials, you will be sinned against, you will be left unjustified, feeling in unbiblical and wrong situations, you will find connection and purpose, you will find what works right, you will get hurt, you will forgive, you will find the path to God’s calling and purpose. Yes this is the pressure cooker, but I feel like this starfish.
I do not say this to discredit the Lord. I’ve seen His faithfulness, I am experiencing the revelation of Christ, I am growing as a disciple, I am seeing the miraculous works of God, and am falling deeper in love with Jesus and His plan. But what I am saying is this: it will be hard, you will want to give up, you will cry, you will be angry, you will love, you will flourish, you will grow. You will see it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, God remains GOOD!
You, future racer, current racer, ex-racer, or supporter, I say this to you.
- When Jesus was walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), you saw His glory, you saw His glory, you saw His majesty calling you deeper into faith, will you step out of the water, you said yes, Lord. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat in faith you stepped, you walked, you saw Him near and approaching, you trembled and stumbled, you fell, you sank. “Lord, save me.” But there He is, holding your hand, keeping you up, saving you. He lifts you up, sets you on solid ground. Truly this is the Son of God. You walked on water, saw glory, stumble fell, and were saved. Jesus is good.
This is the world race, and you are Peter… Uh, I mean a starfish.
