But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
- Isaiah 40:31, English Standard Version
"Church, Max! Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry, magna cum laude!"
As they announced my name, I walked up to the stage to collect my diploma. It's been a long four years at seminary, but definitely worth it in the end. During this moment, my life flashed before my eyes.
I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, where I had big shoes to fill at our local church. I was baptized there at age 6 by my father, who was the head pastor there, who took over from his father, who took over from his father, and you get the point. In spite of our roots, my father got a call from one of our partner churches up north, where he was needed for a newly-planted church. As a result, we moved up to Columbus, Indiana when I was 9 years old.
I snap out of my flashback when I sit back down. "Awesome work, man!" exclaimed Jesse. "Thanks, couldn't have done it without you." Jesse Stewart has been my best friend ever since I moved up to Indiana. It was he who helped me adjust to life here, not to mention I sat with the Stewarts each Sunday at our then-new church, Hope Baptist Church.
We both sat in excitement as names continued to be called. Oh, the opportunities we all had ahead of us! Some will do missions work overseas, others I could picture working for the local church, to lead a local revival. Jesse and I were blessed that Louisville was not too far from our home in Columbus, and even though the distance felt short, the possibilities expanded far beyond that.
"Stewart, Jesse! Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry, magna cum laude!"
I beamed up at Jesse. "Go on, Dude. You deserve it!" As the graduation ceremony wrapped up, my mind continued to be abuzz with the calling God had planned for me. My only question was when, and where, would it be?