Friday, Jun. 11, 2010

Pastor's Commentary: Transition

The one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:5

It's that time of the year again when young folks throughout our community will transition from their high school years into their adult years. Some will attend our local college, while others will attend school outside the area. With their young adult out of the house some parents may find a spare bedroom to do with as they please. A number of our young people will enter the workforce or find themselves in military service. Wherever your tomorrow may find you, one thing is for sure; you can't go back and do any of it over again. You can only relive it in your memory.

And while this is an exciting time, it can also be a time of uncertainty. Looking back on your past you may be able to do so fondly, but if you're going to achieve your God-given destiny, you need to learn from your past success and failures and move-on. Why not do what Paul did and forget what is behind, and struggle for what is ahead. (Philippians 3:13) You are at a crossroads in your life where you can begin a new journey. Throughout your life you have had people offer advice, guard and guide you along the way. Let me just encourage you to continue to seek out sound advice and surround yourself with folks who are more successful than you are, people who have strengths where you have struggles. As you progress in your life's journey you will find that doing so will prove beneficial in more ways than I can mention here.

You'll notice that Paul said he struggles for what is ahead. I've heard it said that if you want what you've never had, you have to do what you've never done. So keep that in mind when things don't seem to work out the way you had planned or you find life after high school is more challenging than before. The LORD said I am making everything new! Enjoy the moment and embrace your brand new start. Remain teachable, and listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your heart about your life's choices. You can trust Him with your future my friend. The LORD tells us I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) The same LORD who is making everything new has a plan for your life filled with good things, a bright future filled with hope. Enjoy!

Duke Marshall is pastor of Crossroads Church, www.xrdschurch.net