Life as a journey is almost cliche now, but there’s a reason why the metaphor persists. Journeys are difficult. We fight through injuries, claw our way to the tops of mountains, and endure the elements. We enjoy the completion of one segment only to find another looming ahead with its own set of obstacles. Journeys are visions of life’s failures and triumphs that emphasize the importance of keeping on. Our guests this week share how they’ve persisted and how Jesus has carried their burdens with them on their journeys. Jon Gordon overcame a negativity learned from childhood to become a highly sought after motivational speaker. But even with his success, he felt empty, and his search for meaning led him to an unlikely source who told him that Jesus could take his soul-pain from him. Andrew F. Carter grew up in a family plagued with drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. After being in and out of jail multiple times, Andrew turned to Jesus long enough to be called to the ministry, but then had what he calls “a Jonah moment” when he ran the other direction. Eventually, he found his way back to that calling as a social media influencer on platforms like TikTok and YouTube where he shares the gospel with millions. For both Jon and Andrew, life has been a journey that’s best done with Jesus.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Dave Pittman

Upcoming interview: Dianne Derby

Jon Gordon

Erwin McManus

The Energy Bus

The Garden

jongordon.com

Andrew F. Carter

TikTok

YouTube

Jonah

www.andrewfcarterministries.org

Interview Quotes:

“I started these thank you walks where while you're walking, you say what you're thankful for. And those walks of gratitude also turn into walks of prayer.” - Jon Gordon

“I believe in a God that would actually want to take my burden, want to take my soul pain.” - Jon Gordon

“I needed a Savior because I couldn't save myself. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't good enough. It wasn't about my power. It was about transferring my power to the Creator of the universe.” - Jon Gordon

“Jesus believes in people more than they believe in themselves.” - Jon Gordon

“Jesus came to forgive. He came to love. He didn't come to condemn the world. And so once you understand that love, I think it makes you want to know more.” - Jon Gordon

“People need more encouragement today. They need more hope. They need more light. It's what Jesus came to do.” - Jon Gordon

“It was like the Holy Spirit coming over me, just like; This is what you were called to do. You have words of gold. You've been called to ministry, and you're going to speak to millions of people, all three of those things. And at that moment, I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing.” - Andrew F. Carter

“All of the things that I thought would bring me happiness, the money, the travel, the girls, all of those things that I thought would bring me true happiness, they failed to fulfill….I was so fulfilled, I was so satisfied, so on fire and driven when I was actually serving God, when I was walking in the purpose that He had for me.” - Andrew F. Carter

“I've tried to do things my way. I've taken the wheel. I thought I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and I clawed and fought my way to the top, only to lose it all. And I realized that in my weakness, God is my strength.” - Andrew F. Carter

________________________

Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:

Audio Playlist