3:315 – It Is Finished!

#faithbites #faithjourney #RoadtoEdD finished

Setting

At approximately 9:08 A.M. today, I began the defense of my doctoral dissertation. I was surrounded by many friends and my committee, who without, I couldn’t have accomplished this. Over 6 years in the making, I successfully defended my dissertation against hard but caring questions. While it won’t be official until December, I am now a Doctor. The #RoadtoEdD is complete.

One person I didn’t recognize online, but have here and elsewhere, is God. Without his strength and support, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this difficult task. Before we start asking what’s next, or in the case of the election, “the hard work starts now”, we must celebrate. Time to reflect and enjoy this moment.

What does God tell us about accomplishments and celebrating what we have done through him?

Scripture

• 1 Kings 2:3 – And keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,
• Ecclesiastes 3:4 – A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
• John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Reflection

This dissertation journey has definitely been represented by Ecclesiastes 3:4. I have cried, laughed, mourned, and now it is time to dance. It doesn’t say I need to plan or any of us need to plan just yet. Just take a little time to celebrate as a great work has been done.

In John, Jesus wants us to have full joy. What does that mean? A joy that isn’t bogged down by the world, but a joy built from him and given to us freely. We get to celebrate.

All I can say is that my faith is strong. As we see in 1 Kings 2:3, we will prosper if we keep God front and center. So many times, I was shaken. Once I wanted to say a few choice words and be done. But now, 6 years later, I have been recognized for my accomplishments I finished what I started.

We know that God isn’t finished with us yet. He has plans that we do not know. We do know that it is ok to dance, sing, and celebrate as long as we give him praise. For all things are possible through God.

As I end today, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the support, the prayers, and for picking up my slack. Thank you for always reminding me of my faith and to turn it over to God. It is finished! (Well, I still have to do a tiny bit of revision and submit, but who’s keeping score 🙂 )

Challenge

Have you just finished something? Are you nearing the end of a chapter? If so, celebrate. Thank God for his help and enjoy it. Dance, scream, yell, celebrate, heck sleep if that’s your thing. You, through God, earned it!

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your support and help during this #RoadtoEdD. Thank you for listening when I was frustrated and turned it over to you. I thank you deeply for the people you put in my life. I praise you for them.

Lord, help us to know that it is ok to celebrate. It’s not bragging or boasting. It’s using the gifts you gave us to celebrate and express our joy. You tell us that dance brings joy. Let us celebrate and know that the work will still be there tomorrow, but we will be better able to complete it being rested.

Lord, we pray all these things in your name, Amen.