The End is Just the Beginning

"Better is the end of a thing than its beginning."
Ecclesiastes 7:8

These words from King Solomon have been on my heart for the past several days now. I think back to all of the dreams, hopes and visions I had when I arrived to begin my undergraduate studies. A completely different man than the one that writes these words today: one gripped with fear, immaturity and a desire to glorify self and self alone. As I make my way towards the end of this road, reaching my next journey, I think back to the many struggles and triumphs that have been had on this road. I look back towards the beginning and recognize the young, naive man who once embarked and is now emerging as the man God was calling Him to become.

If one were to ask me the greatest thing I learned during the past four years while pursuing my undergraduate degree, it would have nothing to do with my studies. For I have full assurance that God did not bring me here for an education. An education was obtained and will be useful in getting towards the next journey life might bring, but God brought me here to prepare and make straight the path His plan for my life. A young man so certain that God could not satisfy the way his own desires could came, but what is leaving is a man that resolves to think that the only thing worth caring about is to know God more fully and to make Him more fully known.

It's by the grace of God that He has brought me by His sovereign hand to this place. Nearing the end, I look forward to the new beginnings that are rapidly approaching. These beginnings already bring me much joy and excitement, and I can only imagine the growth God may continue to bring forth in my life. I stand now with an open heart and an open mind to what God may accomplish in the days he has left for me and hope that in everything I may seek to bring Him glory.

The great wisdom that lies in these words of King Solomon, is that at the end of a journey one may look back and recognize where that journey brought them. The power in these words can be found so richly in the process of sanctification. How in a matter of a few years, one can be brought much closer to a knowledge of God and the gospel, and much closer to the freedom of the bondage of sin and death. Perhaps the most glorifying part in it all, is that at the ultimate end, our sanctification will be made complete. At that time we will look back on our rugged journey with new bodies and renewed minds; and it will be just the beginning of a life filled with eternal praise and glory.

To Him who is able to bring us into His righteousness through the power of His redeeming sacrifice, to Him who sanctifies and renews our hearts and minds, to Him be glory, honor and full praise throughout all nations, tribes and tongues throughout the rest of time and the future glory to come. Amen.