| Recently I had the pleasure of attending a B.R.I.D.G.E. Graduation. BRIDGE is an acronym (Building Responsible Individuals through Discipline, Guidance, and Education). This non-profit organization helps individuals obtain their GED so that their graduates can better their future (lives) through education and employment. At the graduation service, I watched 10 individuals receive their GED. I was honored to be there to witness their accomplishment. Some were asked to share their stories consisting of one obstacle after another. At different points in their lives, each graduate thought a brighter future was impossible and beyond their grasp. I wonder how many people don’t think tomorrow will be better. For some, it might be a marriage that tetters on the brink for so long, it becomes very difficult to think things can be different. For another, one bad decision led to another bad decision until finally, one looks in the mirror only to realize he or she has drifted so far with no hope of recovery. Still for another, there is the constant emotional or physical berating to the point one can’t fathom anything different. I’m sure there are multiple reasons for every obstacle. One graduate told her story of the importance of faith in God and how knowing God was for her helped her believe she could be something different. She said, “If God believed in me and cares about my future, then surely I could believe in my future as well.” My grandmother, who was a great saint of the church, told me often, “Shane, sometimes you don’t realize Jesus is all you need until you realize Jesus is all you got.” Perhaps this graduate knew my grandmother—I don’t think so, but maybe she had a grandmother who taught her the same lesson. Here is my point and I borrow the words of that BRIDGE graduate – if God believes in you and cares for your future, then surely you can believe in your future as well. The story of your life is not complete. Obstacles can be overcome. Paul reminded the Romans of this when he said there is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8). I love that chapter because we are quick to see and list the obstacles of how things won’t work; yet, God has a better future, trust in him.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Acts 12 *Tuesday – Acts 13 *Wednesday – Acts 14 *Thursday – Acts 15 *Friday – Acts 16 Prayer Requests: – Families traveling throughout the summer. _Our unwillingly absent members. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |