It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over

It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over

The year 2008 was a very trying one for me. It was one where it seemed as if my world was caving in. At one point I began to second guess my earlier decision. I even thought I was being punished by God for past sins. It was crazy.

I had resigned from my position as the youth minister at the church I had attended for over twenty five years. I served in that capacity for twenty one of those many years both on a part-time and full-time basis. I enjoyed what I did and had a great relationship with the other staff members.

As time went by I realized that my passion for youth ministry was waning as the desire to do other things was gaining momentum. It could be that I was getting older as well, even though that wasn’t my foremost thought.

With that in mind, I resigned from my position to launch my own psychotherapy practice in June of 2008.

Six months later – December 12th 2008, I was in the hospital undergoimg quadruple bypass surgery. I had one massive blockage and three other serious blockages in the arteries to my heart. I could have died but it wasn’t my time.

I had no insurance and not a whole lot of savings in the bank. I was the main provider for the family. Not only was I not making much income in my new business, now I was making no income. That’s how it would be for the next few months.

During this period of time I went through the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional roller coaster as Paul described: pressed on every side, perplexed and knocked down. But I also was able to hold onto the hope I had for the future. Even though I went through those phases, words like the ones below, gave me hope.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NLT)

I have since then authored and published two books, a teen retreat daily devotional, started this blog site and a podcast, currently writing another book and my practice is growing. Thank You Lord. What if I had given up or looked at things as they are and not what they could be?

When you are going through a difficult time, remind yourself of these truths:

1. You are not alone
2. You still have life
3. It ain’t over
4. Today is not your tomorrow

I would love to hear your story and feedback on this blog. Would you take a few minutes right now and leave me a comment in the box below?  Thanks.