My favorite t-shirt (now very well worn) has a simple slogan: “Stay Stoked.” The word stoked means excited, awesome, or full of joy. People often comment when they see it, and for me it’s a reminder that because of Jesus, I can live with joy no matter what.
Not long ago, I decided to order a replacement shirt. I found one on sale and was stoked! But when it finally arrived, I discovered the company had sent the wrong shirt. Suddenly, I was not stoked. It was a small thing, but it reminded me how quickly frustration rises when life doesn’t go my way. My instinct is often to scramble for another solution instead of practicing patience and contentment.
Revelation 10:7 points us to a bigger truth about waiting: “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” God’s “mystery” isn’t something scary or unknowable — it’s His redemptive plan. It was revealed in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10) and will one day be fully completed. We don’t see all the details, but we know His character — His love, grace, and promises — and that’s enough to trust Him.
Earlier in Revelation (6:10), the martyrs cry out, “How long, O Lord?” We often echo that question. Why the delay? Why hasn’t God set everything right yet? The answer is found in His heart. As Peter reminds us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God’s patience means more time for people to repent, believe, and find life in Him.
That means we live “between the trumpets” — waiting for God’s final victory at the sound of the seventh trumpet. And while we wait, we are called to trust His timing, hold fast in faith, and live as witnesses to His coming kingdom.
So even when plans don’t go our way — even over something as small as a t-shirt — we can “stay stoked,” not because life always runs smoothly, but because God is faithful. His timing, His plan, and His victory are certain.
Jeremy Johnson
Executive Pastor