One thing that I learned quickly in the World Race Gap Year is that changes can (and should) be expected. These changes have ranged anywhere from last-minute schedule differences, to adapting to life outside when it has been raining for a week. We have even walked through entire country changes due to covid related travel difficulties. At home, I typically enjoy change. I like to seek out what’s next and I find excitement in stepping out of engrained routines when I can. Thankfully, this has made it much easier to be okay with the changes that often come unexpectedly. I’m learning that every change has purpose and that as I choose to trust in the Lord more and more, I can see more of how God often uses external changes as a way to bring necessary internal change.
I joined the race excited and expectant of growth, but as always, growth is much easier said than done. Growth is also hard to see in the moment. On the bright side, both of these truths give me a great opportunity to lean on the Lord’s strength and to trust His goodness, if I choose to view the changes with humility. In my pride, it can be easy to think that I can take anything head on and that all I really need is more grit or willpower to push through hard things and grow. While it is completely possible to gather up enough willpower to push through a hardship or change, the end result will be completely different. If I am leaning on the Lord and walking with Him step by step through change, I know that He is faithful to grow my trust and to draw me into closer relationship with Him. If I choose to rely on my own strength, I will only grow more confident in my own abilities. This sneaky pride can so easily push me further from dependency on God. I’ve seen this pride show up in too many areas of my life and I’m so thankful that the Lord brought this to the light in this season.
As I step into the biggest change of my life (living in another country), I have to daily choose to submit to Him and to tap into his strength, not to rely on my own. I’m sure that there will be numerous challenges and I know that most days will come with changes that are completely out of my control, but I am so excited to see how the Lord moves in that place of dependency.
Please pray my squad and I as we step into this amazing new season. Thank you all so much!
- Carter
Thanks for sharing about how you have adapted to the changes in your life, especially in the past couple of months. I pray that you will continue to rely on the Lord as other opportunities for change come your way. Love you!
Poppy
Praying for you as you st
Praying for you as you start this new phase of your race. I know you’ll follow God’s leadership and make changes as He directs. So good to actually “see” you and visit the other day. Much love!
Marmee
Carter – I am Hayden’s mom. Thanks for a great blog post. They say the one constant in life is change and it is so true. Learning to trust God through all of life’s changes and not lean on your own understanding, is something that will serve you well your entire life. Sp proud of all of you and excited to watch this journey unfold. God bless you all!
Carter, my mantra is to BE BETTER. Growth and betterment usually do not come in giant leaps but in small steps taken everyday. In workouts, many say to strive to get just 1% better each day.
I encourage you to be mindful in your daily walk and let God lead you. You have chosen a path for spiritual growth and I enjoy your posts about your progress. Keep it up!
Continued prayers for you Carter from the Multer family. Your strength and willingness to serve our Lord is remarkable, but then I knew that years ago when you were a small child. God has always had a plan for you. I can’t wait to watch you grow through this amazing experience. Wish I could give you a hug and whisper in your ear “I’m proud of you” just like I used to do to that small boy.
The Spirit is the power.
Missed having a one on one with you this time bro. . . . in January.
Continue to strive to bring out the true value and image of God in others ,Man of God.
Carter you and your squad are in our prayers daily. We pray that many will come to know the Lord through the time you are on the “race”. We already see changes and many insightful connection to daily worship. God bless and protect you and your squad.
Bop Bop
Thanks Carter for your update and I’ll definitely be praying for you. We’re all in that same boat of self reliance so your message is very timely for me.
I’m praying for you, Carter! I have really enjoyed reading your blogs so far. I love your thoughts about change- it’s so true, going through change is an opportunity to lean on the Lord and let Him grow in us. Keep on leaning on Him!
Carter congratulations for that ,for real it’s wonderful to read your massage to the world , about experience, changes, learn,new ideas, memories and so on ,you had a great mind to wrote all those things I’m surprised for that and wish I will be part of your race ,I believe you learn alots from Africa too , shortly
I’m john from Tanzania ???? I’m pleasure for your massage to the world that everyone can read and enjoy hope you enjoyed the experience of africa and there people I might not be the first but I take this opportunity to welcome you and your family and Friends to TANZANIA ?????? I’ll be glad to meet you and learn things from you thank you
Great blog Carter! It has been awesome to walk with you in this season, and to see the wisdom God has given you on your journey! Dependency is so beautiful because we bring out God rather than ourselves!