So this summer after I got back from Cambodia, I found out some exciting news. I had been offered the full time youth pastor position in Abernathy, Texas. I was so excited, ecstatic would be a better word. I never thought that I (a 21 year old, with one more year of college left) would get a full time job being a youth pastor! "I am moving no matter what" were my immediate thoughts. God told me to knock, provided this opportunity, and I am taking it. All my hours transferred except for a couple of classes, but it costs 15-30 thousand to Texas Tech for one year. Well I will be in debt coming out of college, but I don't care because this is what I want to do!
Four days after I got back from Cambodia I went on family vacation to Florida. I literally fought and argued with my parents about taking this job. My parents had my best interest at heart, and every thing they pointed out was Truth that I didn't want to listen to. I can't spend another year in Ruston working at the bank again, when I have an opportunity to do what God has always called me to. I realized late Wednesday night (the night before our 21st birthday) that I had been selfish. I had immediately said I was taking the job and din't consult God at all. Jehovah Jireh, the One who had provided me this opportunity, I hadn't consulted. I had been selfish. Being on the beach I went and walked and with that view I knew that God was Elohim (My Creator). I talked with God like I always do, I prayed and then listened:
Father what do you want me to do?
"It is your choice Chase"
God you gave me this opportunity which path should I walk?
"Chase, I can't always make the decisions for you. Sometimes I call you to things and places, such as youth ministry and Cambodia. Other times I give you the choice. You have to decide."
It would be so much easier if You would just show me Lord.
"I never promised it was easy my Son. Whichever road you take, you will struggle, there will be hardships. I, Jehovah Jireh, will not abandon you."
That night I had a great conversation with my brother Austin. God definitely spoke through him to me, and my choice was clear. I would stay in Ruston another year, live with my brother, graduate in May, and then move. My brother definitely spoke Truth into my life, complimented me on what a great man of God I was, and told me: "Chase, just because you don't take this job doesn't mean that God isn't going to provide you with other opportunities. He will provide even greater opportunities than you or I can imagine." He was right, and lately God has shown me where he wants me next year. For now though I am here in Ruston, going to Louisiana Tech, taking 12 hours every quarter to graduate in May, and working 33 hours a week back at First National Bank.
Being back has definitely been a struggle, and I have had hardships. Lately I have felt abandoned by my community here. I know it is a lie that is constantly fed to me, and one that is really easy for me to believe. God has been definitely knocking down that lie the past week. All I can say is that God definitely provides, and one thing He has provided me is a small group of 10th grade guys to lead. We have been reading through the Bible in Disciple and God's Truth has been showing up so much in my life through that. I just can't wait to see what God has in store. My God definitely provides!
