How has the race changed my life? I think the better question is how has Jesus changed my life this past 11 months? These past 11 months has been a walk of freedom as he has replaced lies with truth.
In Guatemala in quarantine he told me that I am enough. Even if I do absolutely nothing else with my life he will still love me. My personality test told me I am an achiever but that is not my identity. My identity is that I am love. I am worthy. I am righteous. I am free from the standards of this world. The only standards I have to uphold are his which he designed me perfectly to meet without effort.
In Costa Rica he opened my eyes to the authority I have over my life. I walked in healing as he physically cured me of food intolerances, but more importantly taught me that nothing has control over me. I have the power of the Holy Spirit inside me and to use that power you simply have to believe it is there. I live above my circumstances.
Not all who wander are lost. A famous phrase thrown around in the hikers community, but in Colombia while leading youth devotional he showed me how this truth is applicable in my life. I am a pilgrim on a spiritual journey. But I am never lost. My home is in Him and His home is in me. In every hug from a child or sun beam thy hit my face I was reminded of his consistent presence knowing I am always home because I can always feel his love.
In South Africa when I was teaching in a school He reminded me that I am complete. I lack nothing. There is nothing to repair only growth waiting to happen. I was operating out of His fullness. Life in fullness brings you to a life lives above your circumstances and not beneath them. I was no longer reacting and trying to keep up. Instead I was acting in faith and in confidence. Sure of who I was and what He was doing through me.
When I signed up for the world race I went in with the intention to race around the world fulfilling my purpose and stepping into His calling. “Perfect” I thought to myself, “running is the sport I do best. “ Haha little did I know that the race was already won. He didn’t call me on the race to do more. He called me on the race to be and receive. I didn’t race. I wandered freely in his grace and unconditional love. Operating out of his fullness overflowing with love.
Where am I wandering next? Good question. The place at this moment I can’t tell you for certain. But I can tell you that I am not lost. I know who I am and what I am doing.
You bring and carry that fuego fresco // fresh fire.
“little did I know that the race was already won.” Yessssssssss
I love you.
Liz, just wanted you to know that I followed your blog throughout your journey-and that you are an inspiration. Best to you wherever you wander next. Grateful that I know you.
Thank you for sharing. You are very blessed. I am proud of you!
Liz, that might be the best thing I’ve read all week, wonderful work! I’m thrilled for you, your journey, the discoveries you’ve made and the wisdom you’ve gained. Safe travels and God Bless
Ellie, this writing is a favorite of mine! What a great description of the freedom you acquired to actually ENJOY your Race. And you were such a blessing to everyone you encountered along the way.
Praise God for every journey marker of faith you described here; your newfound sense of adequacy, worth, righteousness, healing, completeness and authority, to name a few.
I believe you entered the World Race with an open heart and opened eyes to witness Jesus in splendid ways, and my, how you did!!!
I truly love the person you are!
No matter where you travel, I am confident in knowing you are in good hands because of what you know and say,
“My home is in Him and His home is in me.”
(Enter the happy emoji with tears of joy and uplifted hands here.)
Dear Liz; Wow, just wow, so proud to know you. Marlene