A journal entry from 6.24.2021:

Yesterday, as Lindsey and I were walking back home from dinner she began asking me questions about stepping into leadership.

What things do you want to experience that will teach you more about leadership?

How do you see yourself leading currently? And how do you see yourself leading in the future?

She sees it in me. My parents see it in me. My old professors saw it in me. My friends see it in me. My fellow racers see it in me. G0d sees it in me. I’m going to stop saying otherwise.

However, I struggled with being the youngest person on the squad since the beginning. I felt inadequate or unfitted. Lindsey shared with me how I have been chosen for such a time as this, I’m 21! I am so young, and she expressed how exciting it is that God has prepared me at such an age. I can’t deny that.

What a joy it is to feel the L0rd stirring in my heart and spirit. 

J*sus is starting me young for His kingdom. He knows better!

G0d has established me as a leader, a disciple, and an apostle. I’m learning what all of this means for me. I asked my Father this morning to lead me into His word. At first, I thought maybe I misheard… but no.

I listened intently and the L0rd said so clearly “Turn to Deuteronomy 7”.

“Deuteronomy? Are you sure L0rd?” I questioned.

I turned the delicate pages of G0ds word, and I saw the title, Driving Out the Nations.

I found it odd that He took me to chapter 7, but He quickly changed my perspective.

G0d doesn’t make mistakes.

The road that G0d has laid before me will hold more adventure and excitement than anything I can plan myself.

 The seven nations are all bigger and stronger than the Israelites, but G0d is asking the people of Israel to destroy these nations. But how?

The L0rd your G0d has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The L0rd did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all people.  Deuteronomy 7:6-7

This was a sweet reminder that G0d does hear me! G0d didn’t choose me because I’m like everyone else. This aligns with choosing the Israelites to destroy the others. It didn’t matter how many numbers they carried, G0d chose the nation with the fewest. HA! I’m the youngest person. Our Father gives us strength, authority, and all ability to do His will. I don’t think He could speak to me any clearer.

"Do you trust me?" He questions me. "Yes, how can I not anymore?" I respond faith-filled.

Throughout the rest of the passage, the H0ly Sp*r*t continued to highlight and create parallels between me and His word.

In verses 17-19, the Israelites are questioning their own ability. BUT in verse 19, G0d is reminding them that they are equipped and prepared. Well, do I relate or what? He brought the people of Israel out of many difficult trials and He has done the same with me.

Do not be terrified by them, for the L0rd your G0d, who is among you, is a great and awesome G0d. Deuteronomy 7:21

G0d will never leave our side, especially when it is something He is laying before us. He is great and awesome!

This passage is just the start of where the H0ly Sp*r*t is taking me.

G0d has prepared a journey for each of us, but it is up to us to step in obedience. 

Lindsey, this may not be an answer to your questions, but I can’t deny that it’s G0d preparing me for something.

So, in what areas do you want to grow? Where is our Father taking you? Ask the L0rd and He will reveal to you. Listen intently and follow willfully.

Wow! L0rd! You’re so CRAZY GOOD! I am so overwhelmed by the way you speak. Your voice is so clear and evident. I know you are preparing me for something, but I have no idea what that looks like. You’ve spoken your promises through others. You have created me in your image and because of that, I carry your attributes. Thank you for making me a leader and continually pursuing me in that. You have made it so loud and clear, for I will pick up whatever you place in front of me. I trust you, Father.

with all my love,

PJ