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Scripture Reflections from a God of Hope Graduate … a year after Release
This just in from Justin Barnett, a graduate of Lockhart Men’s Dorm in 2015:
I was in the faith based dorm @ Lockhart Jun 2013 – Jan 2015. I was released July 2015. I wanted to share my testimony with you guys as I share with my family & friends:
It has been quite a struggle the past 7 years. I have often wanted to question God’s judgement and planning because I didn’t understand why my path was so dark and for so long. Was it really necessary to send me to prison for 5 years? How can I overcome what seems like a mountain? I feel like God has given me such a gift of a business mind. It has always been such a natural instinct – but now would I ever do anything more than work for minimum wages? Then I read during my bible study 2 weeks ago:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
So I released control and pressed on doing all I can do and giving my best effort, trying to be happy with what I have now. Last Thursday I received a call on my resume and request for an interview that same Saturday. I met her at her home and for 2 hours we learned about each other. She offered me not just the job on the spot but an opportunity of a future. This amazing woman has not only built up an incredible Real Estate business in 40 yrs, but she also created the foundation: Forgotten Angels Foundation & is heavily involved in Prison Ministries. Does God not have well directed plans? What a masterpiece he has put together, I feel like this is what my last 37 yrs has been leading up to.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”