Ending the Race with a Deeply Moved Heart

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” -Philippians 4:4

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As we are ending our race this week in South Africa, I am feeling such profound thankfulness.  I am deeply moved to rejoice.

 

I feel overwhelmed with joy and pure gratitude for this year. 

 

I keep waking up in the night profusely thanking Jesus in the depths of my heart for so many things.

 

I feel excitement in returning home and bittersweet emotion in leaving my community here; but most of all, what I feel is overwhelming gratitude to the Father for the gift this year has been. 

 

I came on this mission trip out of obedience to the Lord—not because I myself am good or important, but because Jesus is good—because He knew what He was doing. 

 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” -Jeremiah 29:11

 

Jesus knew that we would go to these specific places and meet these special people.  

 

Jesus knew I would experience deep healing and wholesome redemption upon this journey. 

 

Jesus knew we would see real miracles, encounter countless divine appointments, and experience the Holy Spirit in profound ways beyond our wildest dreams. 

 

Jesus knew I would adventure with him in ways that made me braver, stronger, kinder and fulfilled—again, not because I am good, but because he is good; 

Jesus has changed my heart. 

 

“Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” -Colossians 3:16

 

I thank Jesus for his grace for me;

for his reckless love and eternal sacrifice;

for relentlessly chasing after me always (even when I have rejected him);

for leaving the ninety-nine to find the one;

for convicting my heart and changing me from the inside out; 

for fighting my battles for me;

for teaching me His will and His ways; 

for giving me eyes to see and love others as Jesus does.

 

I thank Jesus for the souls we encountered—for the ones we had the opportunities to serve and for the ones who refreshed us as well. 

I thank Jesus for the adventures with him—for the beauty, the fun, and the wonder that we shared upon this journey together.

 

I thank Jesus for the Gospel.  

Thank you, Lord, that we get to boldly proclaim the Gospel and see lives changed for the sake of your glory.  

 

“And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel’s secret.” -Ephesians 6:19

 

I am in awe of Jesus—how I wish I could thank him for everything!  

Though it is merely one among many countless blessings, I thank Jesus for this year—for the year of my World Race.  This year has been a gift filled with miracles beyond my wildest imaginations.  

 

The mission of sharing the Gospel has been laid upon our hearts, and we will not refrain from sharing about what Jesus has done.  

May the name of Jesus be forever proclaimed by people in every nation. 

 

King Jesus, you are wonderful.  Thank you for every single gift you have given me, both within and outside of the World Race.  Thank you for spending this year with me, showing me my worth.  Thank you for changing me.  Thank you for the divine appointments and for the blessed friends I have made across the world.  Thank you for giving me your eyes.  Thank you for showing me your heart.  Thank you that I don’t have to do this life alone; you are with me.  I am so in love with you, Abba.  Your Beloved, Victoria 

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“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” -Zephaniah 3:17