There are times when you look around at the things that are happening and you just can't help but think 'Wow, God is so awesome!' And there are other times when an event has to be over before you can look back and truly begin to appreciate how powerful and wonderful God truly is. This past weekend, my husband Justin and I had the honor of hosting the 2nd Annual Couples Challenge at CrossFit Springfield. About 50 couples competed, and we asked them to raise money; and while we didn't charge admission, we asked for donations for money, gift cards and diapers and wipes from spectators. Driving home from the event last night, it really began to hit me how awesome God is.
We put this event together to help a great cause and have a good time, and God took it and blessed it over and over again. We don't have the final numbers yet, but from what we do know, we have raised more than $2500 and that's just in donations and extra money raised by competitors. We also collected a ton of diapers, wipes, formula and other baby items, as well as gift cards. These items will all be used to help orphans and foster kids in the area. These kids will be helped because of God.
A year and a half ago, Justin was set to compete in a CrossFit firefighter challenge. At the last minute, his partner pulled out, so he asked me to be his partner. I was scared to death and didn't think I was anywhere good enough at CrossFit to do it; but it meant a lot to him, so I put that fear aside and competed. We had a blast competing together and out of that experience the couples challenge was born. Little did we know, God was using that moment to set up this weekend.
So often we don't feel like we're doing anything or things seem insignificant, but just remember that God knows all. You may not understand why something is happening, or not happening, but God knows exactly why things are happening like they are. Just trust him. God knew Justin and I wanted to be able to help others but that we didn't have the money to give, so he used the resources we did have - that he had given us. He put us in the CrossFit community; he gave us our gym, and he did it to further his kingdom. When we began praying for our gym, we thought it was a prayer he was answering for us. Little did we know, he was giving us a ministry.
There are so many things I feel like God showed me this weekend. Even when it feels like you can't help in the way you want, be open. He may have you help in a different way. And some times, it may seem like you're just doing something for fun or because you enjoy it, but God is looking to use that to show his love to the world. The great thing is God has a plan and he is in control!
This blog is based on Psalm 139:13-16:
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of
the womb.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
You were created for a purpose, and God made you exactly the way you are on purpose! You truly were created to be fabulous!
