So Much...So Much More...(For The Graduates)

“This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

“You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

This coming Friday will mark a milestone, not just for our son, but for us, his parents. It is their graduation day. I’m sure it’s just not my husband and I, but all parents anticipate this special day. We can humbly say, that each year, my son has shown how much courage he learned every time. Through each success or failure, he has shown nothing but perseverance and patience. Through each struggle, he has shown strength to not “go with the flow” and doesn’t care what peers or this world has to say. As long as he knows…he’s standing for what is right. By God’s grace, he remains:  Steadfast… True…

He labored many sleepless nights. To keep his good grades.Year after year… And to show his true love for Graphic Design. Most peers and teachers acknowledging his contribution of his art to his highschool. And to others who needed his help… But deep inside he knows, he can’t do it alone. Deep inside, he is sure…that it is only by trusting God that enables him to survive whatever storm of trial he has gone through. The more it settles in…that the coming days ahead are not a well-known place he is about to enter…As an adult. The more he needs to trust in Him…

And as parents, we can either fear the “unknown” or choose to trust His promise that He never forsakes us. We often forget… Fear is not bigger than God…So it is with worries. But thanks be to God! We know Who holds that “unknown”…The future…And it’s only by His hands, that we can all be secure…As long as we trust and believe…And have faith…

Growing up, I always quizzed my son…about His Word…the sWORD…the only weapon from God’s Armor we can use to attack. With His power, that’s what we use in this daily battle we face…That my son faces…

Because His Word, the sWORD, is sharper than any two-edged sword. It convicts, slashes and removes doubts, corrects errors, disciplines, forgives, heals, strengthens, protects, gives hope and a future, drives away the enemies, kills the enemies, frees… Loves…Is merciful…Full of grace…

His Word…God Himself… 

"Proverbs 3:5?," I suddenly asked my son yesterday as we were having breakfast together before him going to school…

A morsel of food fell on his plate as he replied quickly:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”

So…this Friday…I pray…not only for my son…but for all of you who are graduating…Know God…before you venture into the “unknown…” Before you use more of those talents God has given to each of us…Because also in that “future”… it is not the 10% we give to God that matters…

God gives that 90% and also that 10% from us. Actually, it’s just not 100%. His love and grace overflows… He always gives so much… 

So much more…