God’s Plan, Our Future
Brian S. Simmons, EdD, President, ACSI
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
This verse will be ACSI’s theme for the 2011–12 school year. So if God has such plans for us, what is our role in their fulfillment? In my office at ACSI Headquarters, I have a special print on the wall and a photo on my desk, beside a framed speech with a Post-it note attached.
My wife, Bonnie, gave me the print in October 2006, shortly after we decided to leave the school I had led as superintendent for a decade, not yet knowing what our next ministry would be. The painting is a beautiful mountain scene of a flowing stream bordered by dark-green Ponderosa pines under a clear blue sky. At the bottom of the print is printed “The Lord Will Guide You Always; He will satisfy your needs and strengthen you … You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11.” During one of my life’s most difficult times, which literally sent me to my knees, what an encouragement it was for Bonnie to reassure me that she would be by my side no matter where God led us! Our role was to put our faith in action.
I was feeling loss for many reasons, including the realization that I would not be on the platform that next May at graduation to give my daughter, Lindi, a hug and her high school diploma. That was a time of testing and trial for our entire family. A friend of mine once told me that growth takes place in the valleys, so in a way the bad times are really the good times. I experienced this truth during those particularly challenging months.
During Christmas of 2006, I could almost physically feel God’s presence. I knew He was going to open up a new area of ministry for me and my family and He would meet all our needs as He had promised in my life’s verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Sure enough, after the holidays, God gave me the wonderful new Kingdom assignment to serve Him as vice president of university relations at Indiana Wesleyan University.
At Lindi’s graduation, she was honored as one of the valedictorians. She delivered a powerful speech (which I have framed on my desk) titled “I Spy God,” which gave her perspective on the year our family had just come through. She said: “In the midst of trials, Dad always said that ‘everything is in God’s control and we just need to trust that He will lead us down the best path for our lives, and that it will be better than any of us can imagine.’ Through my father’s great display of faith and total submission of his life and future to God, both he and my family have been greatly blessed during the difficult times.” Then she caught my eye and continued, “Dad’s example has made me want to be an enthusiastic follower and tool of Christ.”
When I heard those words, tears of joy came to my eyes! Lindi’s speech summed up my heart’s desire for my four children and for all the students entrusted to our care in Christian schools around the world—to become thoroughly prepared, sold-out, full-throttle disciples of Jesus Christ.
At Lindi’s next commencement, from college, I was honored to again be with her on the platform. A framed photo of this event sits on my desk beside the speech.
I am constantly reminded of 1 Samuel 12:24 (NLT), which I have written on a Post-it note and attached to the framed speech: “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.”
God plans hope and a future for us—not just for individuals but also for families, schools, and organizations. Our role is to walk in faith, realizing that God’s way is better than any of us could ever imagine!
CSE 15.1 President's Desk