I’ve been trying to write another blog post for a while, but it’s taken a long time to process the last month and a half to the point where I have the words to describe it all. Since I wrote last, I went to training camp, came back to Boulder and packed up everything, left Boulder to visit family, and started the process of launching onto the World Race.
Right now I’m hanging out in Gainesville, Atlanta for more training, and well, these days I feel all the feels and am often overwhelmed by the upcoming 11 months. Faithful as always, God has never left my side though, and He recently shifted my perspective in a couple of different ways.
It’s All In His Hands
At first, I kept thinking about how the next year is so much out of my control. Afterall, I pretty much have no say on where I sleep, what I eat, who I talk to, what I do, and where I go for the next 11 months. That’s a lot! But then God told me to think of it like this:
Everything about the next year is 100% in God’s hands.
Wow! That perspective shift changed my attitude, surrounded my heart and mind with peace, and helped me embrace surrender. I’m so grateful to know and serve a God who is with me; I love that He’s gentle and tender enough to put His hand under my chin and lift my head to show me a new way of seeing things when I need it.
“But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually.
You lift high my head.”
Psalm 3:3
And All By His Feet
A part of me has also been anxious about not letting the next year slip through my hands. The cost to go on this 11 month adventure is a lot—financially, emotionally, and circumstantially—and I want to live every day to the fullest. At first, I was putting the burden on myself, but then God reminded me of Psalm 55:22:
“…Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.”
With that verse, He showed me I need to l
ay the results of the upcoming year at His feet. In return, He will give me the grace to run the race He’s put me on. That has taken off so much pressure, and I’ve found it a lot easier to relax and settle into this new season of life.
He’s wrecked me in so many other ways (I’ll share when there’s a more complete story), and the best part is I haven’t even left the country yet! Speaking of which, I’m headed to Romania on August 12, so stay posted for some awesome adventures in Eastern Europe. In the meantime, I’d love to be praying for you, so reach out and let me know how I can intercede for you.
Great testimony of God’s loving kindness.
Natalie, this is such a beautiful picture and so true. “I love that He’s gentle and tender enough to put His hand under my chin and lift my head to show me a new way of seeing things when I need it.” Thanks for sharing!
Praying you stand unwavering in Gods plan and love for you, no matter what life throws at you! Love you and I hope you have such a fun time in Romania, that’s actually where my best childhood friend and her family are from so I grew up learning Romanian around her family!
Today is August 12th, so I got to read your post on launch day! Excited for you! Love you! Let the journey begin! (although we both know you’ve been on the journey, but still)!