Dear Mr. Nichols,
The reality has set in and its almost time! The month is May and the Lord has helped you raise over 9,000 dollars and you are less than 3 weeks away from training camp. WOW, it seems like yesterday you were questioning and praying about this trip, asking people for advice. I will honestly say I didn’t believe at first you would even get close to this point, but I have seen you grow in trusting the Lord so much. That trust will be what keeps you strong on this trip. While you seek to honor and follow his calling, Satan will look for ways to knock you off your path and doubt God’s plan. Satan would love to tear your relationship with the Lord apart and for you to stop trusting. Satan will try to feed you lies, for he is the father of lies and that is his way.(“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father`s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks the native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”- John 8:44)
He will try to hurt you and make you fearful, but you must remember ungodly fear and the holy spirit will not mix in the same place. You will have to choose between one or the other and I urge you to stay strong in the Lord. Stay strong by reading God’s word and praying. Listen to the Holy Spirit! The more you read His word and pray, the closer you will get with Him for as we know prayer is a straight forward communication with Him and when you pray He will answer. (“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”- Mathew 7:7′).
As you go to training camp and look to leave in August the reality should be hitting you. Mom and Dad won’t be there! You won’t be living in the basement of your sister’s house and you won’t be driving a car to Wendy’s after church every Sunday night to meet your friend, Josh or to Summerville to visit with Austin because it’s his birthday. You will miss and miss out on things. At times it will stink and be extremely hard for you to be gone. Everyone knows you love your momma and have trouble being 3hours away from her now (Good luck for 11 months). I challenge you! Put these thoughts aside, focus on the joy and fruit that comes from serving the Lord and doing what He has called you to. For as you once said ” Our job and only job as a Christian is to serve the Lord and tell others about Jesus”. I am excited for you, happy and proud of you and I pray every day you stay firm in your calling and continue to grow as a God fearing man. The reality is here; its almost time and I am here with you till the end!
The one who knows you the best, YOURSELF
