At the beginning of our World Race trip while in Atlanta, our mobilizer Austin gave us each a necklace with a key that was engraved with a different word for each person. He prayed over each key with that person in mind to decipher what word the Lord was calling him to engrave on the key. My word was…drumroll please…
CONFIDENCE.
Honestly, initially I was a tad bit insulted that my word was confidence. I inferred that meant that I lacked confidence and therefore needed to improve in this area. However, I believe that the key describes something that you already have in you but that the Lord wants to grow you in even more in this season.
It’s hard to measure confidence outright. It’s not something you notice in the little moments but only later, when reflecting, can you see the growth. Initially, in Cotê D’Ivoire, we were not allowed to wear the key necklace as it could be misconstrued as a charm and would hinder our ministry. Since in Ghana, however, I have worn my key necklace almost everyday. And this has caused me to identify more with my word and to ruminate on how I’m developing in confidence.
Overall, I am more comfortable with evangelizing, performing skits, working with children’s and women’s ministries, and preaching. I had never really evangelized and certainly never preached before the World Race. Amazingly, I wasn’t nervous either time I preached, and all the credit goes to the Lord for this. My hosts even started calling me “Pastor Raina,” which was very gracious of them 😉 Similarly, I had to freestyle rap to represent my team with no notice while on the bus to Sunyani, Ghana to compete in the skit competition tie breaker. I’ve never really rapped but I had fun and ended up winning. I’m also becoming more attuned to the Lord’s voice and have been practicing waiting to hear His response during prayers. And His faithfulness to answer me back has bolstered my confidence in my ability to discern His voice, one of my primary goals this year. I’m praying more boldly and fervently. I’m learning how to talk with Muslims and tell them about Jesus.
So, yes, I am becoming more confident in multiple areas and the Lord has been faithful to speak this word over me and grow me in it, for His glory. I am even singing the lead part in a song for the youth service this week and I’ve never been on a worship team before. I’m learning to continually step (or often be pushed) out of my comfort zone. For that is where the change occurs and where the Lord does His best work. Treading in unfamiliar waters requires faith and faith precedes the miracle. So, here’s to continuing to grow in confidence this year: to stepping out in boldness for the gospel, putting on love instead of fear, and being willing to follow the Lord wherever He leads.
Love y’all!! Keep the prayers coming! The Lord’s blowing my mind 🙂
Shoutout to my amazing fun-loving friends Alex and Jess who continually push me to live life to the fullest and embrace my adventurous side – thanks for the memories <3
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17
My prayer for you today! Loved this post especially! Go God! Love you Raina and cheering you on to keep moving in faith and relying all the way on Gods strength! God confidence!
I’m so grateful to hear such raw details of your journey and all that you continue to learn. Reading today you have inspired me to also focus on my confidence as well. I’m so praying for the Lord to continue to work on your gift that He has already instilled in you to touch others hearts just as you have touched mine. God Bless!
Raina, as you walk day by day in closer proximinity to the Lord, your confidence will grow, not in your ability, but in His ability to use you greatly!!!
I LOVE being encouraged by your team’s posts! Praise God for working through you!
Raina, so encouraged by you. This is the type of blog someone would read and move them toward doing the Race. You are confident and bold and it’s been so cool to see you grow in it in just these first few weeks..
from the rap battle to seeing you lead worship. Proud of you!
This is great! I’m glad the Lord is showing you a deeper meaning to the word in your life Luthra!
Thanks for sharing!
Hey love! My sweet Raina, just realized I could comment on here!! I’ve been keeping up with your blogs and my oh my the Lord knows what he’s doing in your life!!! You sound like you have grown so much! I miss you, but I’m so happy for you and what’s to come! Much love!