A Longer Journey – From Believers To Leaders, Finding My Real Race, Kingdom, and Glory (And Maybe Yours Too)

Another One,

I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster lately, and I wanted to share some of the stuff I’ve been learning. It’s not been easy, but it’s been…eye-opening. I’ve been listening to Pastor Milton Jumba(Lead Pastor Mavuno Church Mashariki), reading books like “The Genius of Surrender” and “A Tale of Three Kings,” and just, you know, thinking. Really thinking about what it all means.

It started with this nagging feeling, like I was always running a race I didn’t sign up for. Trying to “win” at life, trying to be the best, trying to build my own little empire. I’d catch myself comparing myself to others not so much but yes, feeling low when I do not succeeded, and stressed. It’s like I was constantly performing for an audience, even when there was no one around.

Then Pastor Milton asked this question that really stuck with me: “What’s the driving force behind your life?” Are we just trying to climb the ladder, or is there something bigger we’re supposed to be a part of? He talked about how we’re not meant to be in a constant battle with everyone else, but to run with each other, to help each other along the way. He mentioned Hebrews 12:1-2, about throwing off everything that hinders us and running the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. That hit me hard. It wasn’t about competition; it was about running my race, the one designed for me.

And then there was “The Genius of Surrender.” Man, that book challenged me. I used to think control was strength, that I had to steer everything in my life. But that book flipped that idea on its head. It talked about how true strength is in letting go, in trusting that there’s a bigger plan. It’s about surrendering my own limited ways and aligning myself with something larger. I remember Muriithi Wanjau describing me clinging to a rope in a storm, asking, “What if letting go is the real power move?” That image really resonated.

“A Tale of Three Kings” added another layer. It showed me the dangers of power and control, and the importance of humility and submission. It made me reflect on my own attitudes towards authority, both in leading and following. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about dominance, but about serving.

And let’s not forget mental health. It’s easy to push it aside, to pretend everything’s fine, but it’s just as important as physical health. I’ve learned that being honest about my struggles and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We all need to take care of ourselves, to be kind to ourselves.

So, where does this leave me? I’m still figuring it out, to be honest. But I’m realizing that life isn’t a race to be won, or a kingdom to be built. It’s a journey we’re all on together, and we can find more joy and meaning when we focus on helping each other instead of trying to “win.”

Here’s what I’m trying to do:

• Let go of control: I’m trying to trust that there’s a bigger plan. I’m learning to say, “God, I surrender this to You.”
• Focus on serving others: I want to look for ways to help people, even in small ways. I’m trying to practice the “love one another” command from John 13:34-35.
• Practice humility: I’m trying to be less concerned with my own importance and more focused on lifting up others. I’m trying to remember Philippians 2:3-4.
• Celebrate others: I want to be genuinely happy for other people’s successes. I’m trying to break down the jealousy that often creeps in.
• Be honest with myself: I want to understand why I do the things I do. I’m trying to be more self-aware and to align my actions with my values.
• Take care of myself: I’m prioritizing my mental and emotional well-being. I’m learning to ask for help when I need it.
• Seek God’s guidance: I’m prioritizing prayer and scripture. I’m trying to understand what God wants for my life.
• Find community: I’m looking for people to share this journey with. I want to connect with people who share these values and can support me.
• Practice Gratitude: I am trying to focus on what I have, instead of what I lack.
• Embrace challenges: I am trying to see obstacles as opportunities to grow.

It’s a process, not a quick fix. I’m not perfect, and I’ll probably mess up along the way. But I’m trying to live a life that points to something bigger than myself, a life that brings glory to God. And I hope you’ll join me.

Let’s remember, we are running our own race, not against each other. Let’s find joy in helping one another.

Keep going, you got this.