A friend once asked me what I felt was the main subject or focus for my ministry. To which I replied, “I could focus on secular rock music and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. I could focus on raising a mentally disabled son for 21 years and standing by my wife through the good, the bad and the ugly times for 23 years and how to keep your marriage happy and strong. I could even talk to small business owners about how to run a business where the employees and customers alike see and admire your integrity and moral standards. Or on being a godly example to your kids, friends and local church. Building a ministry whose sole purpose is to edify and glorify God. Or financial ups and downs. Mental and physical depression.”  The list goes on.

I could focus on any of these things, but it all comes back to one thing. The most important thing in life is Jesus. You see, I have learned in my 44 years that when I focus on Jesus, everything else seems so small. Even during the absolute lowest points when we feel all hope is lost. Yes, I have been so low that I felt there was no reason to go on. But when I called on that name, the name above all names, the name at which demons fear and tremble, the name of Jesus, He is there to sustain me and direct me. I have learned to realize his spirit, his council is always by my side. The more I have learned to communicate with the father of all creation the more I realize how small my problems really are.

My focus is Jesus and helping others find Him and teaching them to trust and love Him. I look back on my life and realize now how through every valley and every mountain peak experience, He was preparing me for this.

God is preparing you too. You may not see it right now. It’s hard to see when darkness is holding you captive. But He is there. He is with you. He is going to get you to the light. But we must all learn to call on the name from which light flows. Learn the name of Jesus, learn of His grace and you too will find the light that will lead you out of the darkness.  

I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. [Philippians 4:11-12] The Message