“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21 NIV). 

Well, here you are, Maxwell Scott–about to step in to a new chapter, having said farewell to high school and all that came before.

College will be filled with fun–with opportunities for academic growth, not to mention a plethora of circumstances which will mature you personally.

After all, you’ll have plenty of chances to say yes or no to new experiences, with little oversight from parents who, I promise, are home praying you’ll make the right decisions. Choose the best things.

And we’ll be praying too, dear Godson–both Uncle Bill and I. We’re asking God to guide you and protect you as He opens doors to the left and to the right, believing that, as you walk with Him, you’ll hear His voice, saying–

“This is the way!”

So, as you prepare for this new and exciting adventure, it’s our hope you’ll know how loved you are. As your Godparents, we take your future seriously, just as we’ve been honored to watch you each step of the way since the day you were born.

And here is our hope for you, dear Max. Taking the word “G.O.D.S.O.N.” we pray the following in the coming days–

G–Guidance

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm. 25:5).

Indeed, you never walk alone. When you make the right decision, and even if you make a sinful choice, Jesus is with you. He longs for you to walk with him, because where he’ll take you is always best. He’s even there to rescue you from temptation when you desire something apart from his plan.

Walk with Jesus, who’s guidance is perfect… always!

O–Opportunity

Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… (Ephesians 5:15, 16).

Again, this next chapter of your story will be filled with opportunity. The choices you make can undoubtedly impact your future–for the good or, let’s be honest, for the not-so-good.

In relationships, in your studies, in the use of your time, in how you treat your body (exercise, diet, etc.), as well as what you do on social media–all have impact.

Make wise choices when faced with each opportunity!

D–Direction

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will [direct your paths] (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

In this world, there are so many directions one can choose. This way? That way? Which way?

We’re promised God’s help when we 1) trust Him rather than trusting ourselves and 2) acknowledge Him in our lives. Walking with Him always leads in the best, safest, and most joyful direction, even when other ways appear attractive. And we know which way is best by knowing what the Bible says.

Walk in God’s ways, according to His Word, and He’ll point you in the right direction!

S–Selah

Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).

Your cousin Ian often jokes about his lack of good rest, laughing, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

Let’s just say, we’re not encouraging this for you, just as we’ve not encouraged this with him. Truth of the matter is, we all need rest. In fact, God modeled this by resting Himself after those six days of creativity!

So on the seventh day, He rested from all His work (Genesis 2:2).

You’ve spent lots of time on Selah Farm over the years–splashing in the pond, running around and playing on the playground and shooting hoops.

But do you know why we named our property Selah Farm all those years ago? It’s because we heard God whisper to our hearts, This will be a place of rest–a place where people will pause and be reminded of who I am.

And that’s been our prayer over the years–for all who’ve come to visit. Yes, for you too!

There’s a Hebrew word that’s often found in the Psalms. It’s Selah, and it’s thought to mean “to pause and think about.” Indeed, selah is a place to rest; hence… Selah Farm!

This next season will be busy–filled with so many necessary things as well as lots of opportunities to keep you on the go.

Don’t forget to pause from time to time, to rest. Yes, to selah!

O–Overcome

Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

You’re a strong, smart, funny kid, Max–gifted in so many ways, and we can’t wait to see what God’s gonna do in and through your life!

Still, that doesn’t mean you’ve never had to overcome, and as you step into this next chapter, you’ll have to overcome new challenges, that’s for certain.

This world is filled with all sorts of evil. We know you know this! And each of us is given the choice–to choose that which perpetuates darkness or that which shines light.

Your kindness–with wit and wisdom too–will offer light to so many, we have no doubt!

Step out, and shine–overcoming the darkness with all God’s goodness within you!

N–Name

But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you… he who formed you…: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have [called] you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Did you know your name–Maxwell–means “great stream”? And when I think of a stream, I imagine movement. Life. Something that sustains.

God knew just what your name was to be, whispered it to your parents. In fact, He first called you by name, saying–“Max, you are Mine!”

There’s a beautiful passage that reminds us just what happens when we believe in Jesus–

“Whoever believes in me… [streams] of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38).

And guess who benefits. All those around you who are touched by this outpouring.

Indeed, you’ve been called to offer life–yes, the Living Water–to others as you walk with God.

So, go! Push through fear, knowing you’ve been redeemed for good works in Christ! And don’t forget to listen. He’s calling you by name!

We love you, Maxwell Scott.

We’re so proud to be your Godparents. 

Heavenly Father, please go with Max! May he be blessed at UNC Greensboro, and use him to be a blessing to others he’s sure to meet along life’s path. Thank you for the light he shines–for his witty ways and all the love he possesses and gives away. Thank you for the blessing he’s been in our lives and for the privilege of being his Godparents. May Bill and I continually be worthy of this high and holy calling. Amen!