I actually made it to 30! For the last 10 years I have jokingly said I probably wouldn’t live to see my 30th birthday. Yes, that is a sad outlook on life I know. But my early 20’s were spent working at the fire department and partying hard. Well, not that hard. Anyway, I spent last night and this morning reflecting on my first 30 years God has given me on this earth. I have had fun times, sad times, bad times, happy times, good times, and everything else in between. I have been surrounded by great family, friends, and co-workers, but most importantly Jesus.
My biggest regret in my first 30 years is the lack of relationship I had with Jesus for the majority of it. I knew who he was, we recognized each other when we would pass on the street and occasionally we would talk and hang out, but he was never my Father, Friend, or Savior till my late 20’s. How scary is that? Life has not been better and I have not been happier since I surrendered everything to him. All of the voids I tried to fill with worldly fun have been filled. I still have a lot of the same fun, but now it is better because He is right there with me. I am the same Josh on the outside who is crazy and likes to have a good time, but on the inside I am a new person…and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
So what about the next 30 years? I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me! I know what direction I hope my career and personal life go, and that is in His direction. I pray that He uses me to reach lost people and serve others for His glory. I want to be involved in missions local and abroad. I want to honor my family. I want to be a dependable rock to my friends. The greatest news of all is I can do those things! I have surrounded myself with like-minded people who have planted 4 Points Church and together we can change the Upstate, South Carolina, The United States, and the World!
Finally, I would like to say “thank you” to Pastor Lamar at Duncan First for being the vessel and the church that Jesus used to get my attention and turn my life around. Who knows, had it not been for you guys I really might not have made it to 30.
If you are someone who is missing what I was shoot me a message on Facebook or give me a call. I would love to tell you about everything the Lord did for me in my first 30 years, even when I wasn’t paying Him any attention. The doors at 4 Points Church are open to the unchurched and dechurched so please drop in on a Sunday morning. You will be greeted with a smile no matter who you are or how lost you think you are.