Ed was the first 2017 statewide candidate to speak at Liberty University convocation this year. Joined by President Jerry Falwell, Jr., Congressman Robert Hurt and former Congressman Robert Hurt, Ed talked to LU students about how his personal relationship with Jesus Christ sustained him through difficult times in his life.
Ed’s remarks centered on Romans 8:28, which says “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” As Ed said when he spoke:
“As I look back on my past, the first part of this verse explains a lot to me—all things, including defeats and unpleasant experiences, work for the good… You see, some of the most disappointing moments in my life have resulted in the best things that ever happened to me.
“Of course, I didn’t know then what I know now. I wish I did. And I wish I had then the relationship with the Lord that I have now, because I would have had greater acceptance and much more peace in trying times.”
We’ve all had difficult experiences in life, but those experiences have shaped us and made us who we are. Like all of us, Ed’s faced challenges and setbacks, but they have made him stronger and more faithful. He’s learned from those experiences. He closed his speech by saying:
“And whatever disappointments may come our way, we can be sure that God has a plan for us, that Jesus loves us, and we will know His purpose for us in time to revel in it.”