Good morning! Our Advent devotional today comes to us from Dr. Frank Hernandez who serves as the Dean of the College of Education. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Hernandez since he arrived at TCU and have always enjoyed his sense of humor, his welcoming & inclusive presence, his commitment & dedication to his profession, and his deep commitment to his faith. It has been a privilege to learn more about his faith journey, which truly is a beautiful narrative on the power of HOPE. May your heart and mind be filled with HOPE as you reflect and meditate on his thoughtful words for us today, and may they inspire you throughout this season of Advent. -Rev. Todd Boling, University Chaplain
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hope often feels elusive when we’re stepping into the unknown. As a first-generation college student at Barclay College, I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what my future held. Studying Bible Theology and Education was exciting but also intimidating. I felt the weight of being the first in my family to navigate higher education, and there were moments when fear and self-doubt crept in.
It was during my Old Testament Survey class that I first encountered Jeremiah 29:11. Learning about this verse in the context of God’s promise to His people—during a time of uncertainty and waiting—gave me a deep sense of reassurance. I didn’t have all the answers but realized I didn’t have to. That verse became a lifeline for me during those years at Barclay College and shaped how I approached my education and my faith.
Years later, when I transitioned to my role as dean at TCU, that same verse took on new meaning. Leading a college during the pandemic was a daunting task. The weight of making decisions that impacted faculty, staff, and students during such an uncertain time reminded me of the uncertainty I had faced as a student years before.
I’ll admit, I don’t often talk about my religious background. My faith is deeply personal and hasn’t always been a central part of my public conversations. But today, I feel compelled to share this because hope—God’s hope—has been a guiding light in my life. It’s not the absence of struggle but the assurance that God is with us through every challenge.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans are never random. His love has been evident not just in my personal journey but also in the lives of the students I now serve—many of whom are first-generation college students navigating their own uncertainties.
As you reflect on this verse, consider how God has been faithful in your life, even in seasons of fear and doubt. Let this promise of hope and a future encourage you to trust Him more fully with what lies ahead.
Let us pray.
God, just as you have been faithful to see us through everything we have encountered in the past, remind us that you will be with us through everything that is to come. Help us to trust in you and your plans for us as we embrace the HOPE your presence brings during this season of Advent and beyond. AMEN.