It has been about two weeks since training camp for the World Race. Two weeks that I have felt a fresh wind of joy and freedom I am using to let God work in my life. I did not realize just how much I had resented God for the past year until I arrived to training camp and kept thinking to myself, “can’t we talk about something other than Jesus?” I did not understand just how closed off my heart was to Him until I consciously made the decision to let my greed, anger, and hurt melt away in His hands. I have so many beautiful stories I could go on and on about, but here I will share a few things that He taught me during my week at World Race training camp.
1. MORE OF HIM, LESS OF ME
When I signed up for the World Race, I was so excited for the pictures, to meet people and for the many stories I would have, which are all great things of course. I was also extremely stressed about making sure I had packed everything I will potentially need for the next year. My perspective has taken a complete 180, and I have realized I am going on this trip to rid myself of selfish desires, while filling myself with more of Him. This trip is not all about me and my wants, it is quite the opposite. This trip is about taking a step towards Jesus by simply saying yes. It is about learning to show His love and receive His love from others that I will get to meet all over the world.
2. I, MADISON ALLISON, AM LOVED BY THE CREATOR
Something I had never fathomed is that I, as an individual, am loved by my creator, and not because of anything that I’ve done or could possibly do. I don’t have to keep “doing” all of the time. I am simply loved by Him, and it is okay to receive that and just be. I have spent so much time wondering “Am I worshiping correctly? Am I praying correctly? Am I asking too much or too little?” When this whole time He has simply wanted me to look up and smile, and just be.
3. IT COMES SO EASILY TO LOVE LIKE JESUS WHEN WE LOVE HIM FIRST
1 John 4:7-8 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Sometimes He loves and speaks to us through others, and the fact that He does that for an individual is so beautiful and special. The way that I loved and felt loved by others while I was with almost anyone at training camp is unexplainable, especially considering we only spent a week together!
The way that God worked in my heart in only a week has made me so excited to see what He is going to do in the next year. Having this two month period before leaving for the trip has given me time to continue this journey from home. At first I was frustrated that I had to come back to my normal routine, but it has been a beautiful thing allowing God to show me how to keep leaning on Him in my daily life and normal routines. It gives me time to create better habits and continue preparing my heart for what is to come.
Sweet Madison! You have written your thoughts so beautifully, that we could have a glimpse of your pure heart. Training camp was so filled with HIM, there is no chance that any of us could have come away unchanged! I love that you want more of HIM and that you understand how much the Father loves you. We love you too! Can’t wait to continue this amazing journey with you!