Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

We have all been living in an age of doubt and uncertainty. As a part of the leadership team of ML, these feelings continue to manifest themselves in the most basic and impactful of ways. It goes like this:

Question: “Hey Dr. J, what’s school going to look like for the fall and the next school year?

Answer: “We have various plans and options we continue to develop and study. AND, the honest answer is, we just don’t know!”

Being in this position and having to give this answer drives me nuts! I would imagine the same is true for everyone! Especially in leadership, it can leave us feeling helpless, ineffective, and out of control. And, while we can do all of the scenario planning, assumption making, and “spike speculating” in the world, at least for a little longer, we must continue to wait. We must continue to pause. We must continue to be impacted by factors so very much outside of our control. Hard stuff!

It is here where I have continued to be pointed back to The Truth. The Truth is that The Lord “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” is in control. Days of certainty or days of unknown, He has us and always provides for His children. It is, has been, and always will be, “His power that is at work within us.” Even when our sinful doubt, worry, or prideful feelings of “we are in control” creep in to our thinking, He loves, forgives, and sustains us by His Power alive within His People.

Yes, it is natural to worry. Yes, it is natural to question and natural to doubt. And, as His forgiven and redeemed children, with humble, repentant, and thankful hearts, we are blessed to be near Him and His Glory every day of our lives this side of heaven. In the easy days and in the tough ones, “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

I look forward to connecting with and communicating out to everyone in the coming days our “final” plans for the fall. Lots of guidance is expected to come out early next week. Thanks for your ongoing patience and understanding. In the meantime, I would invite you to take a moment and read the devotion for today that follows from Sarah Young in the devotional, “Jesus Calling.” A good word of encouragement for us all “for such a time as this!”

Hear the Voice of Jesus,

“I am the firm foundation on which you can dance and sing and celebrate in My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you; receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control – an impossible task and a waste of precious energy.

My guidance for each of My children is unique. That’s why listening to Me is so vital for your well-being. Let Me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don’t be intimated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you, as long as you cling to My Hand. Keep your eyes on Me, enjoying peace in My Presence.”