Above and Beyond

The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. (spiritual principles + exhaustion =confidence in Almighty God) was definitely, well, special. I won't write all my thoughts on it because it'll take too long, and it's also something everyone needs to experience for themselves. The 20 hour challenge with our team and 10 of the Puerto Rican students truly did bring me to understand more of what my faith really means.

First thing God really revealed to me was that He gives and takes away. We were playing volleyball and with the game tied up, we had one more point to play. I missed a spike. We lost. Though I would call volleyball 'my sport', my success in it can't be what defines me. Only God can define me.

Second thing was realizing the frailty of life. In another activity, I landed awkwardly on my left foot and kind of sprained my foot. I thought it'd be okay because I've gone through way more painful sprains, so I tanked it out hoping it'd get better. Well...it hasn't. Every now and then we just gotta realize not to take what we have for granted, and even if trials come, we persevere in what God has called of us to do.

Last thing God really amazed me by was His strength to push me beyond my own limits. In our last challenge I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to finish. I was tired, asthma acting up, jumper's knee kicking on, and doing things with a wonky left foot. Yet through it all God just put Philippians 4:13 in my heart and let me have the faith to not quit, but run the race until the end. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. With all of us brothers and sisters in Christ cheering each other on, Hebrews 12:1-2 came alive to me. By ourselves we can only do so much, but as we stand united in Christ He gives us freedom to push each other to do way more than what we could do alone, not only physically, but even more so, spiritually.

There's so much more to share, but...this is all I'm gonna write haha.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8