Look what God has done

One of the many joys of my job is hanging out with alumni who haven’t been to campus in a while. Moving about with their heads on a swivel, I see the wheels turning as they quickly compare the campus of their memories with what appears before them as the campus of their dreams. The reaction is always the same: “Unbelievable! Look what God has done.” Exactly.   

It’s the reaction I have every time I come to campus. And it never gets old.  

Lately, I’ve wrapped that sense of wonder in profound gratitude for the many sacrifices others made through the decades so we could enjoy the results of their vision and the fruits of their labor. Once our forerunners saw that God was in this, they prayed and gave and taught and studied as if He really was. Outsiders doubted, but they believed. Because when it comes to the promises of God, insider trading is never against the law.  

They walked by faith so we could walk by sight. Their risk is our reward. We are the return on their investment. Pretty good deal from where I sit. 

Considering this good deal drives me to God’s message for His people as they entered the Promised Land: “I gave you a land you did not labor for, and cities you did not build, though you live in them; you are eating from vineyard and olive groves you did not plant. Therefore, fear the LORD and worship Him in sincerity and truth” (Joshua 24:13).  

Sounds like He’s speaking directly to us. The Lord blessed us through the sacrifices of others in building this university. Now it’s our turn to leave a legacy for generations to come. It won’t matter if they ever know our names, as long as they come to know the Name above every name. 

Fulfilling this sacred obligation is the point of strategic planning. It’s looking under the hood to see how we’re doing, looking down the road to decide where we’re going, and laying on the accelerator to make sure we arrive. It’s asking God to do what only He can do if we demonstrate the faith our founders displayed when all they had was a dream from the Lord, the desire to get it done, and the determination to see it through. It’s never settling for the status quo or meddling in mediocrity. Instead, it’s driving toward God’s destination until He directs otherwise. “A man’s heart may plan his way, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).   

As we unveil CSU’s new strategic plan in this magazine, we’re asking God to unleash revival on our campus and in our community. Yes, that kind of revival. And more.  

In our dreams we see students preparing by the thousands to become servant leaders pursuing significant lives. We see a culture of innovation that transforms the latest technology and the best ideas across campus into mind-blowing gains for student success and community impact. We see a flurry of campus construction to make way for new students in new programs because they see that God is on the move at CSU. We see a generation of graduates who receive their diplomas as Passports to Purpose so they can make a difference in this world for the good of others and the glory of God. We see a strategic plan that turns passion into purpose for every student the Lord sends our way.  

It’s our turn to walk by faith so others can walk by sight somewhere down the road.  

Now that our plans have been made, we trust the Lord to bring these plans to life. So alive that one day, long after we’re gone, some alum will return to see the campus and community of our dreams. “Unbelievable,” they’ll exclaim. “Look what God has done.” 

Even better, they’ll drop by next week and say, “Look what He’s doing right now.” Exactly. 

Article first published in CSU Magazine, Fall 2019.

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