Rejected and Redemption

It is funny how God works over time.  Many may not know this but I was rejected from a Johnson Bible College when I 18.  My youth minister went there and at the time I had a couple of friends who attended there so of course I wanted to go there.  I didn't become a Christian until I was 18 so my High School grades were not good (that is pretty much an understatement). At the time I hadn't taken my ACT or SAT so Johnson asked me to drive up and take it because my GPA was so low.  I had to score really high just to get accepted and needless to say I was two points shy.  I talked with some people and told them all I wanted was to serve God and preach his word.  I explained to them that I wasn't Christian during High School and things would be different in college.  Their answer was still NO.  So I went to Bluefield College of Evangelism for two years and then to Louisville Bible College for 2 years.  I love both schools very much and I am so thankful for my time and the people I met there.  

For the past year I have been praying and asking God if more school was in my future.  I didn't want to have a masters just to say I have a masters.  I really could  care less about a sheet of paper or those who brag on having "so much education".  I want to be a better communicator of God's word and so with the help of others I have been looking at a Johnson Bible College graduate program.  They offer a Masters in preaching so after more praying I decided to send my application in.  I honestly felt 18 again.  What would they say, do they remember me, what would I tell my elders, what if I was rejected again?  All these things raced through my mind and I was a little nervous hearing back from them.  I go to the mail box today and I pull out a big envelope that says, "Johnson Bible College Distant Learning."  Natalie saw the size of the package and said you got in they wouldn't give you something that big if you were rejected. Still I was excited and nervous.  I open it up and it say, "Congratulations you have been accepted!"  

After the excitement died down I did feel a sense of redemption from previous years.  I am a bit nervous going back to school but confident that God wants me to do this.  I am preaching this Sunday to my graduates and what is funny I am going through the same emotions and feelings they are.  They are excited to do something new but nervous what that may look like.  In a weird way we are in the same boat and I am glad to experience this and more with them.  

So I ask that you pray for me and my continuing education.  Pray that I do this for God's glory and not my own.  Pray for my friends who graduate this year.  May all of us be faithful to the greatest commitment we have made.