Presence Over Progress
By Randall Colson | Scripture: 1 Chronicles 13:1–14
Graduation season is a time of looking ahead—at dreams, goals, and the “next steps.” But as we celebrate our graduating seniors, I want to offer a reminder that applies to all of us: don’t pursue progress at the expense of God’s presence.
In 1 Chronicles 13, David tried to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem—an effort that seemed godly, but lacked reverence for God’s instructions. The result? A man named Uzzah died, and the celebration turned into mourning. David learned the hard way that good intentions aren’t enough when they’re not grounded in a respect for God’s presence.
I know this lesson personally. Early in ministry, I had ambition, plans, and energy. I wanted growth, movement, and results. But God had to “backhand” me—gently but firmly—reminding me that His presence must always come before progress. Without His presence, all our plans are empty. But when we honor His presence, the progress will follow in His time.
Let us be a church, and a people, that doesn’t just go through the motions—offering sacrifice without spirit, or worship without wonder. Like Moses said in Exodus 33:15, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”
To our graduates: as you step into new seasons of life, remember—your success won’t come just from effort or intelligence, but from walking closely with the Lord. May God’s presence go with you, and in that, may you find lasting progress.
Randall Colson, Youth Minister
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