Wow. This first week of the race has been absolutely insane. Going into this, I knew it was going to be difficult. I knew it would be draining, I knew I would break down walls, and I knew I’d learn so much more about Christ and my identity in Him. But I never thought that it would happen so. fast. We have two sessions of teaching a day, taught by amazing leaders who practically drown us in Scripture and I LOVE IT! I’m learning more about God than I ever have, and I’m feeling the Holy Spirit move in astonishing ways. On Wednesday night we were doing worship with about half of our squad, singing I Thank God and jumping around dancing and screaming for the Lord. I was so joyful and excited at that moment that I jumped so hard, lost my balance, and tripped over one of my friend’s feet, landing on the floor and breaking my ankle. I heard it crack as I landed on it, and I hit the floor as my stomach dropped. I’ve fractured that ankle a couple of times and know exactly what that feeling is, the pain here was almost worse than those. I tried to move it around and it hurt a ton, and once people realized they went running for leadership. At this moment I thought I was going to urgent care- or even home. I immediately turned towards the earthly consequences of my injury and not the heavenly power of my God.
A bunch of leadership came into the room and they came down to my level to examine my foot. I was asked where my pain level was at, which was a 6 (whether or not that was an attempt to be stronger than I really am is still a mystery to me) and everyone placed a hand on me and started praying. I heard the voices of some 30 people absolutely trusting and believing in the Lord and His power to cause healing for me. I was still sitting there, with my eyes open, confused. I’ve always read about the amazing power of God in the Bible and heard about it from other people, but always doubted the fact that we’re told that the exact same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives inside of us. I also was confused at the fact that 30 people were pouring their heart out for the well being of my ankle. Something clicked inside my brain and I thought, “Who am I to tell the Creator of the universe that His power is not worth using? He takes care of the sparrows and lilies, to the largest galaxies in the universe.” I believed in this power. I believed that He could heal, that He WOULD heal, if it was His will.
The second I started praying and said this to God I felt something in my ankle move. After everyone finished praying I stood up hesitantly, absolutely in awe of the fact that I was able to walk around. It only hurt a little bit (I told them my pain was at a level 1), but one of the squad leaders told me to sit back down and that we would get my pain to zero. After the second round of prayers I had zero pain not only in my foot but my entire leg. None of the soreness from walking up our gigantic hill on campus, and none of the pain I normally live with every day. My jaw was absolutely on the floor. I look back in conviction of being so doubtful of His power. His power is full, His power is perfect, and His power lives in us. I’m also reminded that God doesn’t heal us enough to get up and walk away, but for us to be healed to completion. For us to fully experience just how good He really is.
The time at training camp since then has been filled with even MORE healing, more things being revealed about the Lord, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, and of course, a ton of rain. All of our tents are flooded as I write this. The bucket showers are cold, the bug bites are endless, and the vending machine runs out of snacks way too quickly, but absolutely NONE of that matters because God is so so so good every day. He shows up in endless ways and I continue to see His love in every corner of this place. Have I mentioned I LOVE my squad? These people I get to do this with are the greatest, most God-honoring, joyful, beautiful humans ever and I’m so happy I get to do life with them.
This week has been so tough but filled with restoration and healing. I can’t thank God enough for continuously changing the posture of my heart over this time and only pray that I continue to grow in His love for me (and that I don’t break any more bones)
(p.s. This amazing title is brought to you by our amazing team leader Drew)
Goodbye from Gainesville 🙂
This sounds like a perfect picture of Heaven. Surrounded by encouraging believers in love and praising the one true God and not even being phased by external factors because in light of Him, nothing else exists and nothing else matters.
I am grateful and know that God brought you to this and will most definitely bring you all through this while holding you in His protective hands. I’m excited as much for you as I am for me and our family here over the next nine months. I know and wholeheartedly believe there is life changing power, grave blasting power that is moving within your team there as well as with the families like us at home. I’m certain we will see blessings on the home front similar to those you are already seeing and will continue to see. God is moving always. I want a piece of that action.
I am so proud of you Syd. I’m so happy that you’re getting this opportunity (not the breaking your ankle part) and that you are able to grow in the Lord! Love you girl ??
Sydney – your testimony is so strong. Your experience has touched my soul and strengthen my own faith. Thank you for sharing His light!
Even hearing this for the second time is so inspiring!!
Thank you Sydney I will continue to pray for you and every one with you. I am so glad you did not have such a bad foot. I pray you will be safe and well. Please be careful.
I love you very much
Sorry Sydney I did not read as much so for give me for sending emails.
Like I told you prayers my dear Sydney
Yesssss God. And yessssss girl!!!
I am so so so happy for you Sydney, and that you have this amazing opportunity!! You are doing such amazing things and helping/changing so many people! Continue to shine your light!
This is AMAZING! Thank you Lord for healing Sydney’s ankle and for showing this squad your complete power and desire to work in their lives! Wow I just love this so much…
Sydney- An amazing testimony. Ellen and I are thrilled and blessed to be your coaches on Kingdom squad. Clearly God wants you here and has his protection over you. Looking forward to your journey and being a part of it.
I love reading your words and thoughts. So excited for this journey. Cannot believe it’s only been a single week. And look what our God has already done?! He has great things in store for you Syd! Cannot wait to be a part of it.
Taste and see the kingdom of God my girl !! So proud of you and so so excited and encouraged to hear how God is moving. Your words and experiences hold such power !!
Such an amazing testimony…and your still at Training Camp! Can’t wait to see all that God is going to do!
Sydney I can’t believe the power of God through this story it’s funny because just as I was reading this my fav song of the week is “i thank God” and I can’t wait to see what God does for you and your Squad
I send my love Zannah