Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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  I cannot believe that in a little more than a week I will be heading to the Dominican Republic, and this journey of faith and surrender will be on its way.

            Since coming back from training camp God has been so real and continually showing me what I need growth and change in. I cannot lie it has not been easy; change is stretching and hard at times.

I was recently in Denver visiting my brother. It was great seeing my brother and being with my mom as well. I was waiting in the airport to get on my flight back to Omaha, and the weather was terrible. My flight was delayed numerous times and I was beginning to get impatient. As I was finally getting ready to get on the flight the attendant stopped me and needed another form of a ticket. It turned out I had not realized that was important and it was gone. The attendant told me that it was my only way on the plane. I was angry and frustrated; I had expected to get on the flight. I had planned my evening and my to do list for the next day was growing. Looking back I did not handle that situation graciously, I expected something, I had planned on it and when it didn’t happen I was frustrated.

The ironic thing was as all this was happening I was reading a book that was challenging me to change my perspective.

The key thing from these past months as I was sick for a month and the school finals bombarded me, was that God allows all that happens. So many times over the past months I wanted to control the situation or change the way things were happening. God has reminded me that He is in CONTROL, and He does a far better job than I ever could. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The hardest part for me is not seeing how it will end up, this is where trusting in God develops and hope in the things to come.

            I feel challenged to change my perspective and instead of me resisting the way things happen; instead I want to ask God what are you trying to teach me from this? How is this going to change and stretch me?

            The World Race is amazing, I’m humbled and honored that God is allowing me to go. As these past couple months have been full of ups and downs God reminds me that my identity is not based on if I go on the World Race or not. God is using this to change and mold me for wherever He may lead me. There were times I thought I might not go on this trip. And as the thoughts came to mind, I had to put in perspective this trip. God is active and at work in my life and I’m so thankful that He is faithful and will finish the work He has begun in me. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”

(Beginning of a bud of a pitaya flower)

            There are going to be many times this coming year where I’m sure I will get frustrated and impatient about one thing or another. But I am being challenged right now to continually ask God, what are you trying to teach me? God allow me to learn and be changed through what I am experiencing, no matter how high or low the moment.

(Finished product- Pitaya flower)

            I am excited to see what God has in store this coming year. I do not want to resist or put up a struggle against anything that happens, instead I desire to turn to God, teach me Lord, I’m ready to be changed. What do you desire to show me?