Found in the Future
- Kevin Cohan, MA
- Sep 2
- 10 min read
Have you ever wondered what it looks like to have faith? I’m not just talking about having the status of being a Christian, but actual real-life application. The Book of Hebrews gives us a good definition, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). When I was growing up, I didn’t really have a lot of hope. Mainly because I spent most of the time dwelling on the past. According to the definition given to us by the Book of Hebrews, hope is not found in the past. If we are wanting to practice our faith, then it’s important to know that this can only be accomplished in the future. This requires trusting God with our futures.
Hope is found in the future, not the past.
I remember many years ago being challenged to trust God with my future. I was working at a cell phone store at the time. I had been working there for 6 ½ years. Things were changing at my work rapidly and not in a good way. Praying to God for direction became part of my daily routine. One day I was sitting in church and heard these words from the Book of Genesis, “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1). Now, I’ve heard these words before, but it just hit different that morning. At the time, I just filed it to the back of my brain. Three days later a friend from college that I had not talked to in about a year wanted to video chat with me. I was sitting in bed next to my wife when I spoke to him. He said that he was in Israel and asked me if I wanted to know what verse God used to bring him there. I said, “Sure.” It was the same verse from Genesis 12:1. I looked over at my wife and we both had a shocked look on our face. It was then that I knew what I had to do.
I still wanted to consult my pastor at the time, so I told him everything that God kept bringing to my attention – from the pulpit and from my friend that was in Israel. I let him know that it seemed like God was wanting me to leave my job, and go to a land that He would show me. He told me that I should wait to make any moves until I had another job lined up. That would be the reasonable thing to do I thought. That’s what I did in the past. If I secured a job myself, then would I really be letting God show me what He could do? The next morning, I woke up and asked my wife if she was okay with me putting in my two weeks. She agreed. I went to work that day and asked to meet with my store manager. It felt so strange because I had never made this bold of a move before, but I informed him of everything that was on my mind and put in my notice. The thing that happened next was unbelievable. He told me that in two weeks the store was turning into an agent location, which meant we were all going to lose our jobs. My faith increased that day.
I was going to need all the faith I could get for what came next. While I was still at my job for two weeks, my wife was looking for any possible new opportunities for me. She came across a state job that consisted of working with youth. It sounded exactly like what I was looking for – something with more purpose. It turned out that it was somewhere I used to volunteer at when I was in college. I even knew a couple people that worked there that put in a good word for me. The process to work for the state took what seemed like forever. We had to cash in my 401k, sold an RV, and were down to our last cent. Finally, I got a call that I was hired. My first paycheck came in just when all our bills were due. My faith increased again.
After working there for two years they asked me to go back to night shift. In order to do that I would have had to ask my wife to give up a job she was very much enjoying at the time. At this time in life, we were renting out our house and living with my parents with our two young kiddos, trying to save up money. Our plans were about to change. I prayed to God to give me direction once again. The next work meeting I was given an ultimatum – either work nights or move on. I’m sure it was put nicer than that, but I still got the message. I put in my two weeks. I didn’t have a clue what was going to come next, but I was less afraid this time. I started substitute teaching for a while, but most of the time was a stay-at-home dad. Having that experience for about 5 months gave me a high appreciation for anyone that was in a similar situation.
I was submitting resumes all over the United States, but receiving no bites. One pastor in Lenexa, Kansas sent an email back saying that he didn’t have any available positions, but would love to get coffee if I’m ever in town. I ended up being offered and accepted a job in Overland Park, Kansas at a retail location. We decided to pack up the whole family and move there. In case you were wondering, yes, I did get coffee with that pastor in Lenexa. He was so hospitable that we started going to the church he pastored. There were many times that I had to pass on opportunities to get plugged in because I worked crazy retail hours. The pastor asked me if I was looking for another job with better hours. I said that I didn’t know anyone in Kansas City. His response was epic. He said, let me see what I can do about that. In a week I had an interview with a guy that was the Operations Manager for a trucking company – I was hired a week later. Faith continues to increase.
After years of working for the trucking company, a co-worker learned that we were house hunting and suggested living in Lee’s Summit. A different co-worker told us about a good family church there too. A house happened to pop up that wasn’t even part of our search criteria. When the realtor brought us to view the house there were seven other people invited to see it too. They ended up choosing our family because they were moving next door and wanted good neighbors – I found out later they were Christians. We also started going to the family church soon after we moved in. I remember sitting through sermons where the pastor would talk about purpose and always feeling like something was missing. That’s the way I felt about my job. I started to relate a lot to the story of Jonah – running from what God called me to do. I still was unsure as to what that looked like. So, once again I prayed about it and asked God for direction.
I stayed working at the trucking company for seven years. Eventually I did start leading in some areas at church, but still felt like something was missing. The ministry I was consistently involved in at church was the men’s group that met on Tuesday nights. One of the classes that was being offered was an eight-week course directed at counseling. It was taught by Jon Thompson, the Director of Peace Partnership (a local counseling practice in Lee’s Summit). At the end of the eight-weeks, I mustered up the courage to ask him to coffee to pick his brain about what it would take to become a counselor. He gave me some great insight and affirmed that he thought I could do well in this profession. He said, “You can’t take people places you have never been, sounds like you have been through a lot and came out on the other side.” I put up some resistance (after all it was a major change I was faced with). He overcame every obstacle with sound reason. I was out of excuses, so I went home and talked with my wife about my new possible future. Within two weeks, I was enrolled at Calvary University to become a counselor. It took me three years to complete my degree.
Jon was with me every step of the way. We met for coffee pretty regularly during that time. While at coffee one time I just came out and told him that I wanted to work at Peace Partnership someday. He told me that he would love to have me there, but because it’s a non-profit he would have to wait for more money to come in to make that happen. I started praying to God to be able to be a part of the team. Jon still agreed to be my supervisor on my road to becoming licensed, which was really helpful. We met about three times and at the third supervision meeting he offered me a job. One of the counselors working at the counseling center was moving to part-time and they needed someone full-time. I had just graduated from my master’s program in December of that year and was offered the job in January. My faith increased yet again.
So much of practicing faith can be tied to one’s ability to take risks.
John F. Kennedy said, “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long risks of comfortable inaction.” Every time I took a risk there was a great deal of uncertainty in the circumstances. My certainty came from reflecting on the fact that each time I trusted God with my future, my future became better. I believe this happened because I was praying for things that God wants for all people – to contribute to His kingdom and society, to spread His good news of hope and salvation, to pursue wisdom, and to be surrounded by good fellowship. If you are a runner like I was, then I hope this article slows you down long enough to think about not just doing what you can do, but to start pursuing what you were meant to do.
Together, We’re Almost There, But We Need Your Help to Finish Strong
Dear Friends and Partners,
In just a few short weeks, we'll gather for the 9th Annual Peace Partnership Golf Classic and we are absolutely blown away by the outpouring of support so far.
You’ve played. You’ve sponsored. You’ve donated. And because of your generosity, thousands of counseling sessions have been delivered to local kids and families, including more than 1,500 completely free sessions in schools.
⛳️ A Few Teams Left. A Few Spots to Fill. A Big Difference to Make.
We’ve nearly sold out, but a handful of team spots remain and if you’ve been thinking about playing, now is the time to say yes.
This isn’t just another tournament. It’s a powerful opportunity to turn one unforgettable day of golf into a lifeline for families in need.
Last year alone, your support helped us provide over 3,800 counseling sessions, more than 1,500 of them completely free to students in need.
But this year, the need is even greater. And with your help, we’re ready to meet it.
Here’s how you can help us finish strong:
✅ Register a team — Only a few spots remain!
💼 Sponsor the event — Select sponsorships are still available and help cover critical costs like meals, contests, and program impact.
🎁 Donate an item or service — Help us build a powerful raffle and silent auction lineup to raise vital funds.
📤 Forward this to someone who would love to support — You never know who’s looking to make a difference.
📱 Engage with our giveaway — Like, share, and comment on our tournament giveaway post on Facebook!
Whether it’s your business, your golf buddies, or someone in your network, your yes could be the missing piece.
Together, let’s make this our most impactful tournament yet.
Register or sponsor now: www.peacecounseling.org
Questions?
Contact Ashley Kirn at 816.716.1847 or ashley@peacecounseling.org
As September begins, our hearts overflow with gratitude for you.
Each month we take a moment to reflect, and this time we were struck again by just how powerful your partnership is. Your generosity isn’t only funding counseling sessions, it’s opening doors to healing, giving families the strength to carry on, and reminding children and teens that they matter and they are never alone.
Because of your faithful support, we are reaching more students, more schools, and more lives waiting to be transformed. Every story of hope restored has your compassion at the center of it.
Whether you give monthly, sponsor an event, or respond to a special need, you are making a real difference—one family, one child, one breakthrough at a time.
We couldn’t do this without you, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.
To Our Monthly Donors
Your faithful, ongoing support is the heartbeat of our mission. Month after month, you choose to show up for families who need hope and healing and that kind of consistency is priceless.
We are especially grateful for your dedication and trust.
Aaron Linn, Andre & Rose Fantasma, Church at Coffee Creek, Clayton & Pam Wooldridge, Dan & Gigi Rippee, Danny Collins, Dave & Rosie Bourland, Greg & Jennifer Spears, Jason & Val Schram, Jenny Wrobleski, Jondy & Heather Britton, Jon & Naomi Thompson, John Otradovec, Linda Hartman, Mark & Cathy McGaughey, Mark McDonald, Matt & Kristy Newton, Metcalf Auto Plaza, Mike & Jan McGraw, Mike & Tracy Pruitt, Lance & Mandi Pollard, Phil & Jo Rydman, Rick & Kathy Daulton, Roger & Jennifer Madsen, Lydia Hurley, Shelly Schuman, Stone Amp SEO, Tamara Stroud, Willie & Adia Valdes, Zane & Melissa Morerod, Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County, Roger Lantz, Blue Springs Christian Church, Joel & Ruthie Morris, John & Kimberly Shrader, Roger Lantz, Stephen & Natalia Ray, Mike & Carol Jackson, Rudy & Stacy Blahnik, Genesis Counseling, Denise Israel, John & Vicki Hefner
To Our Golf Tournament Supporters
Thank you for choosing to invest not only in an event but in the impact that follows. Your support helps us create an unforgettable day of connection, while raising the funds needed to support families in crisis.
We’re grateful to partner with you.
30Hop, Stretch Zone, Frontier Justice, Looney Lights, Sullivan’s, Don and Mary Roberts, Duluth Trading Company, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Panache, Dixon Golf, Triune, Kansas City Royals, KC Current, Skyy Moore, Boulevard Brewing Company, Cockrell Mercantile, TJ Maxx, Topgolf, EPR, Shamrock Golf Course, Johnny’s Tavern, Wheat State, Chipotle, KC Chiefs, The Royals
From every corner of this ministry, we thank you. Your generosity is the reason we can keep showing up—for kids, for families, and for healing that lasts.
Would you like to tour our office or grab a coffee or meal together to hear more about our work in the community?
Contact Ashley Kirn, our Director of Development, at: 816.716-1847 or ashley@peaceounseling.org. We want to get to know you and personally thank you for supporting our mission. To make a donation through our website, please click on the link below.
Have you or someone you know been helped by Peace Partnership or Genesis Counseling? If so, would you please consider paying it forward to help another find healing along their journey? We are asking anyone who is not currently partnering with us financially to consider donating $100/year for the next 3 years to help make a difference in someone else’s life. Collectively, we can help SO MANY PEOPLE! Please consider a gift today. Call the office for help getting your gift set up or choose a recurring donation on our website here. We are so grateful for your help changing lives!
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