“Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely” (2 Thes. 1:11-12, The Message).

The extraordinary day referred to is when Jesus comes back for His own. That’s what it all hinges on. That’s what we’re living for in these last days. Today was a good reminder as my church celebrated multiple baptisms across all nine campuses. We were celebrating new life from death and hope born from despair. Baptism is a symbol of an inward change that has already taken place, and a public declaration of faith.

I get excited whenever I heard of one more person who is bold enough to proclaim that they have chosen to follow Jesus. Every single one is a victory. Every single one is one less destined for hell. Every single time without fail heaven throws a party, from the celebrity getting saved to the former addict being transformed to the homeless person finding a home in Christ.

It only gets better from here. I’m not naive enough to think that the rest of this life will be sunshine and puppies and rainbows, but I do know that joy is just around the corner. Glory is waiting on the other side of the mountain we’re all climbing up. For those in Christ, the best is yet to come.

God is not looking for rockstars but for those who will be obedient and faithful even when no one is watching. He’s searching the whole world looking for those whose hearts are steadfast toward Him and Him only. I pray that you and I will be the ones who will choose to serve the least and the lowest as much as the most famous. May we never stop running toward the finish line of grace as long as He gives us breath.