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As we move into May things kick into high gear at our house and also at Calvary. We have two sons graduating this month, one from high school and one from college. It is an emotional time for Natasha and me because our “babies” are hitting another milestone.
I am sure many of you parents and grandparents out there share our feelings. Some are just considering the fact that this event makes them feel older, some may be relieved their kids are about to move out, yet others are pondering the question, have we done everything we can to prepare them for life?
For our graduates a new way of life is on the horizon. Some graduates will venture off to college, some directly into the full-time work force, others may decide on the military, but all will be stepping into unchartered territory for their lives. Let me encourage you to never stop learning.
Paul urges his friend Timothy to "continue in the things you have learned.” It is one thing to take a course, to complete one's work, to earn a diploma or a degree; it's another thing to become a student for the rest of your life: to remain hungry for knowledge, to stay curious, to read widely, to be adventurous, creative, on a never-ending pursuit of truth. Build on the knowledge you have gained over the years.
As Paul in his letter to the Colossians wrote, “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Col. 1:10)
It is my prayer that we have equipped these young adults to face the future with certainty. Several of you reading this have volunteered so much of your time discipling these children. You have laughed with them, you have cried with them, you have prayed with them, but most importantly, you have shared the Gospel with them. They have a path to follow as they depart from childhood into adulthood.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
This is a plan for our graduates and also for each of us as we face each new day. When we truly trust in God to guide our thoughts and direct our actions, we can rest assured that He will place us where He needs us.
Too often we want to take control and make our own plans. Planning is good but you will never be what you were meant to be until you arefollowing God’s will for you! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, He will lead you to where He needs you.
Congratulations to our 2024 graduates! Calvary Baptist Church is praying for you and the future that the Lord has in store for you.
God Bless,
Pastor Jeff