Letter from the editor: May 15, 2015

1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG) | So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

As we enter graduation season, 1 Pet. 5:6-7 is a most appropriate message. In fact, now that I think about it, I could have certainly benefitted from hearing this at the commencement speeches I was required to attend. Assuming, of course, that I would still remember anything from my high school and college graduation days in 1995 and 2002, respectively. Yes, I managed to cram a four-year undergraduate degree into seven and-a-half years (don’t act like you’re not impressed)!

Be content with who you are. Personally, it has taken a long time to get there, and God continues to reveal new ways of understanding this across the seasons. For Christy Nockels, a spirited perspective from a new friend coupled with a wake up call from God lit the fire for her to begin living into the roles of coach, mentor, leader and forerunner in her ministry profession.

Live carefree before God. Matthew West may not come across as the uptight type, but tense moments were created when forced to weigh decisions based on professional life vs. his home life. Apprehensive at first, West tells us in his CCM Magazine cover story that touring with his family has been “the most incredible experiences of our lives.”

He’ll promote you at the right time. On the heels of releasing a debut Number 1 album (a chart position they haven’t enjoyed in sixteen years), think about how Audio Adrenaline may view the perfection of God’s timing now? Additionally, visualize the paths that He has been carefully connecting between all of those involved—past and present—in that ongoing ministry!

Graduates, the themes that run throughout this edition of CCM are excellent reminders that God has made you (just the way you are) for a purpose, and that trusting in His perfect timing—even when it may seem like He doesn’t know the time—will give us a most fulfilled life. Step out into your upcoming unknowns believing His strong hand is on you…He is most careful with you.

Blessings,