God is faithful; His plans are perfect

My wife and I experienced two very different kinds of events last week, but both of them had something in common. We finally made our move from our house in the Rio Grande Valley to our new home in the Dallas area. We also attended Dallas Baptist University’s summer commencement ceremony.

We were honored to attend DBU’s graduation and accompany David and Kathleen Hardage in the special recognition he received. Dr. Hardage received an honorary doctorate of divinity from DBU for his lifetime of servant leadership.

David Hardage served as the executive director of the BGCT from 2012 until 2022, a total of eleven years. During this time, he led Texas Baptists by serving churches, staff and institutions across the state and beyond. His focus on the Great Commission and the Great Commandment has laid a solid foundation for the continuing work of our convention.

Dr. Hardage’s ministry began as he pastored small churches in Texas and Oklahoma. In 2004, he became the director of the Waco Regional Baptist Network and in 2007 he transitioned to the director of Development at Truett Theological Seminary. Most recently, Dr. Hardage has served as interim pastor in more than one church and with Texans on Mission (formerly TBM).

As Monica and I sat with Kathleen Hardage during the commencement ceremony, I felt gratitude for the life and ministry of Dr. Hardage and for the outstanding university that is DBU. Memories came to mind about my own experience in DBU’s Ph.D. program and how it helped shape me as a leader.

DBU’s theme verse is Jeremiah 29:11. It is a beautiful promise from God to his people. The context in which it is given is exile. God’s people were far from their homeland, far from their place of worship and surrounded by a pagan culture. Yet, in the midst of it, God tells his people He has not forgotten about them. In fact, He will fulfill his promise and plan as they wait on Him.

It was also encouraging to watch and hear Dr. Adam Wright, DBU’s president, announce the endowment of two academic chairs named after Sheila Cook (Education) and Gary Cook (Prayer). As Dr. Cook was on the platform, I gratefully pondered on the legacy that has been passed on after a lifetime of service.

After several days of packing boxes, loading trucks and driving hundreds of miles to move to our new home, God was reminding me that the future belongs to Him. His plans and His promises are reliable regardless of what we might be experiencing presently.

Our days are sometimes filled with common routines and responsibilities. On other days, we face difficult challenges. Still, other days are joyful celebrations of God’s blessings. In all of it, we are reminded that God is faithful, that He has not forgotten His promise or plans. We can trust Him as we wait on Him and watch Him work.

I am thankful for my predecessor at the BGCT. I am thankful for the incredible BGCT staff with whom I get to work. I am thankful for the churches and the institutions that make up our Texas Baptists family. I am thankful for Dallas Baptist University. And, I am thankful that Monica and I have moved into our new home in Garland.

But most of all, I am thankful for the God whose plans are perfect and who holds our future in His hands. Be encouraged today by His promise. Thank you for your support.