Guys…I wanted to say something to all of you that I hope is encouraging, challenging or whatever else.  Honestly, I’m posting this because I have no reason to brag. This year, 2016, has absolutely stunned me. Shocked me. Surprised me. Let me tell you about it.

For those of you who don’t know me, which is most of you, this year started for me as a still new resident to TN, barista in search of a new job, former pastor lost looking for ministry, financially desperate, and at a complete loss for words as to what to do about anything. I started this year, along with my church, in a 21 day fast. My prayer focus in that fast was for financial provision, a new job and life direction. One of my biggest prayers was for God to make it happen so I couldn’t get the credit. And that’s what he did. I sit here, still stunned. Still amazed. Still wondering if I’ll wake up from a dream. Sparing you a chunk of the details, in March I signed up for a class with my town simply to learn more about it and the police/citizen community. During that process I felt such an impression on my heart, one I couldn’t explain, to apply to the police department. I didn’t think it would happen. I wasn’t the ideal candidate. After a 4 month process of being investigated, doing various tests, all the while still being broke working at Starbucks, I got an interview with the Chief. My interview with the Chief fell a week after the executions of the officers in Dallas (5) and Baton Rouge (3). Those attacks solidified my decision to continue forward. I can’t exactly explain why. It just felt like I had to do it. Right before my interview with the Chief, I prayed for God to make it clear and open a door which only he could open. Well…I got hired on the spot in my interview with the Chief which almost never happens to anyone. I was stunned. In September, I started training which ended last Thursday when I graduated. During the academy I served as the Chaplain for my class, praying with them and for them. God opened doors I couldn’t imagine. I was also an academic advisor. God challenged me in ways I didn’t know he could. He still is.

So here I am, a few days before the end of the year humbled and stunned by God’s goodness, favor, and absolute leading in my life. God made this all happen for me. It started with a fast, and this Sunday I begin a new one to start 2017.

I wanted to share all of this is because I wanted to encourage you all to continue trusting in God and his steadfast love. I truly know how it feels to be desperate and lost and feeling without hope. I know what it feels like to be wandering without direction. But I have seen God’s favor after YEARS of feeling lost, alone, and desperate. He is faithful. He is steadfast. If you find yourself tonight or whenever feeling anything but God’s love for you, know he is with you. You might need to continue to persevere and endure where you are and what you are doing. You might need to step out in faith. You might need to make some radical decisions. Heck, you might find yourself thinking you’re crazy (like I did) because the thing God is calling you to seems crazy. Be obedient. He has your back. He is doing something, even if you can’t see it right now. And he will make it happen.