by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Psalm 143:8 - Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
I met up with one of my former 8th grade students today. Five years ago he was in an emotional mess. His parents were divorced and he felt odd about life. This caused him to think he was an atheist - he did not want to believe there was a God. Why should there be after all he was suffering at his young age? I asked him if he had finally sorted out his confusion about God. He smiled and said,"Yes."
I personally made an effort to encourage him with my personal stories regarding that similar pain in my life. I shared why I had the opposite feelings about God. I explained to him how God lifted me up out of my pain as a young man...and again as a mature man during my own separation and divorce. I also noticed him going to church with his mom and siblings. She seemed a determined woman to me. We would exchange nods when she dropped off and picked up her son.
Today he told me that he is graduating this year, only a few months away. He is going to enroll in college and seek to attain a degree in business administration. He spoke with confidence and belief. I told him that I was very proud of him.
He was a bit stunned by that. We shook hands as he parted. What a marvelous treat it was for me to see him and hear of his good news.
That is what God can do. Amen.
(A classmate of his will graduate early next spring. She overcame drug use and depression. She found new hope in Jesus Christ and has found a home after being in foster care for most of her young life. I last heard that she planned on joining the Army upon graduation and then go to college afterward. That may have changed since her adoption by a wonderful couple from our church.)