Next Gen - November 2026

It’s Gonna Be Great When It’s Done!

I’ve only been a pastor at Oakhill for a brief time now, but I know two things for sure: I love my new church family and that the road construction on Oak Hill Road is a bear. I learned about four different detours to drive to North and South Campuses in just my first couple weeks! I catch myself releasing a sigh most times I drive through it. How much more perturbed must you all be, those of you who have endured it since the beginning of construction! But something Pastor Evan said stuck with me the other day regarding the state of this road project: “But it’s gonna be great when it’s done.”

How many detours has God led you down over the course of your life? What demolitions have you endured? How many reconstructions have you required? Maybe some of them you thought unnecessary, others you see what God was doing. Many of you have heard some of our story. On our journeys overseas in Russia, Hungary and Poland just these last 5 years, there were seasons of struggles during which Megan and I admit to doubting God, even experiencing momentary feelings of betrayal concerning the direction in which He was leading us. Who is He shaping us into? What is He preparing us for? Why does He have to make it so hard on us? I’m sure every one of us through tears has asked such questions of our Lord.

In times as these, my fellow Christian, look to the promises and reassurances of the Scriptures. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philp 1:6). “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Ts 5:23-24). But the path to completion is rarely paved with freshly laid asphalt. “Enter by the narrow gate…” our Savior warns, “for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction…” (Mt 7:13). Was Abraham’s hike up the mount in Moriah with his son Isaac an easy one? Did God give the Israelites the direct route to Canaan? Was David’s ascent to the throne free of roadblocks and obstacles?

Brothers and sisters, may we guard ourselves against expecting the clear, direct and comfortable avenue toward our sanctification. As you obey and follow God’s direction, remember that the time of perfect and perpetual bliss and satisfaction is not a promise for the present, but for our eternity. So as you drive through the construction on Oak Hill Road next Sunday, just remember, “It’s gonna be great when it’s done.” Christian, you are gonna be great when God’s done!