Im sure you can imagine (juggling the many roles I have as Husband, Father, Pastor, Friend and Student) that the past four years have been the most difficult in my life. There were days I wanted to give up on school, give up on God's calling and go back to corporate america where I saw personal success and financial gain. However, each time my wife (Alice) was always there to talk me off the ledge (so to speak). Not only was my wife there but my family, friends and most of all God's word.
Jeremiah 29:11 has been a passage that I have quoted over the last four years to myself probably more than any other. Jeremiah, was given these words directly from the heart of God to the people of Israel. "I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a future and a hope."
My greatest hope over the last four years was not in simply graduating from seminary... or becoming the pastor of a healthy, thriving, Christ centered church one day. My greatest hope was not even in getting a chance to spend more time with my loving, beautiful family with no reservations (even though that might be a close second). My greatest hope is and was in HEAVEN. The day that I get to see Jesus face to face in the flesh and hear him say, "Well, done my good and faithful servant."
I pray that is your greatest hope too...“For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, of which you heard before in the Word of the Truth of the Gospel.” Colossians 1:5.
