Pressing On: Trusting God’s Promises

In one of my morning prayers, I’ve found myself wrestling with God’s plan, whispering, “Lord, if this is what You have for me, You know what’s best. Forgive my discouraged heart.” It’s a raw, honest moment, laying bare my struggle to fully embrace the path before me with ups and downs. Yet, in that very breath, the Holy Spirit stirred within me, igniting a joy that bubbled up like a spring!

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings bursting in my life: a loving family, a vibrant Midwest church community with faith, a fulfilling job outside of ministry, and the sacred privilege of pastoring with purpose. I am truly blessed, and I’m filled with a fervent desire to shepherd the small congregation God has called me to serve with uncontainable joy, overflowing with the Spirit’s love!

My daily Bible reading and our church’s online radio recently brought Moses to mind, his journey illuminated by the Spirit’s power. Like the Israelites, we can feel stuck in the wilderness, wondering if we’ll ever reach the Promised Land. But that Promised Land isn’t just a distant dream, it’s the spiritual rest and overflowing joy we find in Jesus right now! The road may be rough, but the Holy Spirit surrounds us, and helps us with divine strength.

As Jeremiah 29:11 proclaims, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s plans are radiant with goodness, designed to fill us with hope, not harm. When life feels confusing or the path unclear, we anchor ourselves in what we know: God is faithful, His promises endure, and His Spirit fills us with uncontainable joy to press on!

The wilderness seasons, those moments of doubt or struggle, they aren’t meant to diminish our light. They’re holy refining fires, where the Spirit shapes our faith into something radiant as we move forward. Even when the road is uneven, our feet stand on the firm foundation of God’s strength. Every small step of obedience is a victory, a testament to trusting that the Holy Spirit is weaving our efforts into a glorious, eternal story.

So, let’s embrace our small beginnings with hearts overflowing, ablaze with the Spirit’s joy! Whether you’re serving in a quiet corner of the world, nurturing a family, or leaping out in faith, trust that God is multiplying your efforts with divine abundance. He sees the end from the beginning, and His Spirit rejoices with delight at every step you take.