This blog is going to a little different from my other ones… A lot has happened in the past couple days and I wanted to inform y’all. (I will post another blog filling in the details from the previous week)
“Not my will, Lord. But your will be done.” (Luke 22:42) I used to have a big misconception about walking in the Lord’s will, and saying yes to him. I thought everything would be easy when I said yes to him…and boy was I wrong. Recently I have found that often these times will be tough, even when I’m in the will of God. Saying yes to him is hard because you’re saying no to something else. I was reminded this morning with my devo, in Mathew 4:18 – 22 Jesus extends a simple call to the fishermen “Come with me.” He was inviting them to leave their old life and follow him to pursue new life. Instead of saying no or listing reasons not to follow him, all the fishermen said yes to pursuing him and said no to there old life… and their lives were changed forever. This is something I have always wanted… having the confidence, faith and trust, knowing that the path he takes me on is the right one. But if I’m going to obey God, I must believe what he says. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” The Lord loves us and has chosen the best path for our lives if we follow him. And I’m choosing to follow him.
In the time span from training camp and launch I spent a lot of time in prayer and meditation on how I should prepare for the race, whether that be physically, mentally, or spiritually. I got a lot out of this, and was able to prepare myself (as much as I could) for launch! But there was one thing I refused to do, and honestly didn’t think was that big of a deal. God told me that I should do this race without connections from home, and that I should immerse myself with what I’m doing and pursue him without distractions. For some reason I decided to ignore him and not do anything about it… Honestly, I was scared on what this would do for my relationships at home, and I didn’t think it was a big deal. So yeah… I ignored God thinking I knew what was better for me. Then a month later in South Africa, God brought up this issue and made it obvious that I need to drop my ego and follow him. It took a lot, and I had to sacrifice a lot, but I am doing it. Starting Monday I am dropping all communication from home (Instagram, Snapchat, Messages) for the rest of the race. I am super excited to see what comes out of this, but extremely nervous at the same time. I am thrilled to pursue my never ending journey with him, and I hope I learn a lot about my identity in Christ. I’m choosing him, and its one of the hardest things I’ve done. I would appreciate if yall could pray for me during this, for I know there will be times where I will struggle, BUT I have an amazing team here to keep me accountable. I also hope that for some of you this can encourage you to say yes to him and see where he takes you! Thanks for reading.
Wow! Very proud of you for choosing to not ignore what God is pressing on your heart. Good things will come from it. Keep pressing in. Praying for you and the whole squad. God has great things in store for you all!
10-4 Parker
Your decision to follow His will is hard for you and the rest of us…but we are grateful for your obedience. Hard? Yes. Necessary? Yes. KNOWING His will for us is something most of us don’t know. We all pray your journey will help you discover what He has for you. Onward. Stronger. With love. Dad
Full peace is found in obedience. Great post, thanks for sharing your heart! Praying for you, Parker! 🙂
I am so proud of you. I know this isn’t easy, but it really isn’t supposed to be. Without the distractions of home, you will be solely focused on Him and what He wants you to see, hear and do. As you know this song makes me think of you and now, makes me cry when I hear it…He is just bringing new wine out of you!!
“New Wine”
In the crushing, in the pressing
You are making new wine
In the soil I, now surrender
You are breaking new ground
So I yield to You and to Your careful hand
When I trust You, I don’t need to understand
Make me Your vessel, make me an offering
Make me whatever You want me to be
I came here with nothing but all You have given me
Jesus, bring new wine out of me
In the crushing, in the pressing
You are making new wine
In the soil I, now surrender
You are breaking new ground
You are breaking new ground
Make me Your vessel, make me an offering
Make me whatever You want me to be
I came here with nothing but all You have given me
Jesus, bring new wine out of me
Jesus, bring new wine out of me
Jesus, bring new wine out of me
Where there is new wine
There is new power
There is new freedom
The Kingdom is here
I lay down my old flames
To carry Your new fire today
Where there is new wine
There is new power
There is new freedom
And the Kingdom is here
I lay down my old flames
To carry Your new fire today………….
So excited for you, Parker…. and so proud of you! To God be the glory!!!
Praying for you for your entire journey!
DUDE THAT IS AMAZING!!! You’re not wrong it is going to be hard at times, but the fact that you are saying yes is such a big step. That is where it all begins, saying yes. Sometimes it seems so hard and we struggle to say it at times, but we serve a loving, forgiving and an understanding God. I am so excited to see where God takes you and what he does during this time.