I sat across from Amy, my squad mentor, for my exit interview at final debrief in Gainesville during our last week of the race. There were a few questions written on the board to talk through to begin the process of moving forward and stepping into whatever is next for each of us. I read the first question and laughed.
What’s something you learned this year or what’s the most important thing you learned this year?
My first thought was what haven’t I learned this year, but my second thought was by far the most important thing I’ve learned and will probably ever learn in my life. I told her I felt silly and kind of cheesy saying it. She smiled and asked, “What? That you are loved by God?”
I know it sounds crazy, but yes. It’s the truth. I spent years of knowing and hearing the word of God, years of people loving me like Jesus, even some years of teaching and ministering the word of God myself, but this last year was different. This year I experienced the love of God in deeper and more ways than I have before, and I can finish this race knowing without a doubt that God loves me.
It’s the Gospel. The famous verse we’ve heard so many times. John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
So many times I have heard this. It’s one of the verses I have memorized from probably children’s church or VBS as a kid. But at some point, it became a verse I knew and believed for everyone else except Caroline Peavy. How can God love somebody like me? God can’t possible really love me for me. I’m not enough for God to love me. I’ve made too many mistakes and continue to make too many mistakes.
But he did, and he does. Over the course of the race, God began to slowly work in my heart as he began to show me his love for me as long as I was open to see it and believe it. Through encounters and conversations with God in repentance, worship, and prayer, through my incredible teammates, and through family and friends from home, God began to open my eyes to just how wide and long and high and deep his love is for me. It’s honestly incredible.
What’s next you may ask?
As far as a job goes, I don’t know yet. I’ll be sure to spend lots of time in prayer as the Lord and I figure that out. What I do know though is that he wants you to know just how incredibly loved you are. He loves immeasurable more than you even know. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done or the current circumstances of life we have gotten ourselves into. He didn’t come to condemn you! He came to save you, because he LOVES you that much! Many of us hear all our lives about how much we are loved by God and how he sent his son to die for us because of that love. And this last year, I experienced that love in a way I never have before and believe it. So, what’s next? Letting whoever I can know just how much they too are loved by the Father, Comforter, Guide, Merciful, and Most High God.
I continue to pray for God to give you wisdom, guidance/direction, and peace. He has a plan for you! Now rest in Him and wait. I am so very very proud of you and I love you so so dearly!!????
So proud of all you’ve learned, witnessed, and felt as God led you on this journey. Can’t wait to hear what your feet , hands, head, and heart leads you to do. I just hope it is real close so we can see you in person more often. Love you, Barbara
Your words are so encouraging. God has been good. I hope I get to see you soon. Love you.
God will lead you in the right direction. You have a servant’s heart. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Remember, we are so proud of you.
So proud of you!! Love you tons
I know God will continue to guide and give you wisdom!
Welcome home Caroline. Accepting God’s Love is the greatest gift to humanity. Little taste of Heaven on Earth. It has been a blessing to walk with you through your Mission. I thank God for you.
Okay but YESSS
screaming over here
yes you are LOVED
thanks for living that out and sharing it with the squad and everyone else!
keep letting the people know
love you lots
Knowing and accepting that God loves us unconditionally, that He offered His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, that Jesus willingly suffered and died an a cross, taking the penalty for our sins upon Himself so we can spend eternity in Heaven, is a cause for many of us to struggle with our faith. That God can be so good and faithful to us when we constantly sin and disappoint Him seems impossible because we cannot think and love like God. Accepting His unconditional love, knowing as you have come to know that He loves you, is a wonderful outcome of this part of your faith journey. You are blessed. Welcome back to Georgia. I’m eager to see that smiling face again soon!
I’m looking forward to hearing where God takes you next! Wherever it is, I know that place will be blessed! Thank you for sharing your adventure!
You learned the most important thing in the WORLD on the race! Way to go! It’s so life changing! When we KNOW we are loved, we have freedom to grow, change, and let go of the things that don’t reflect that love. SOOO happy that this is your BIG takeaway (along with a million others)!