Can you believe there are only 10 more Fridays until Christmas? It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming in 2024 with fresh hopes, dreams, and resolutions, full of hope and anticipation for what the year would bring. I entered the year with a list of goals — personal, spiritual, and work — that I was eager to tackle. But here we are, already well into October, and I find myself still trying to “get my act together” on some of them.
Maybe you can relate. The start of the year is always filled with optimism, as we pray for God’s guidance, hoping that this year will be the one where we get everything right. For many of us, this year may not have gone exactly as planned. Unexpected challenges, obstacles, and disappointments may have come our way, causing us to question our faith and perseverance.
In these moments, it can be easy to feel disheartened and lost, wondering if God is truly with us in our struggles.
But the beauty of faith lies in knowing that God never abandons us, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. Even when we feel like there is no way out, God is there to guide us, strengthen us, and help us persevere through the storms of life. His love and grace are constant, unwavering, and always there – giving us the strength to carry on when our own strength fails us.
Let us be steadfast in prayer and turn to Scripture trusting the promises of God in His Word for us, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” Psalm 28:7
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a beautiful story about a ship tossed in a storm.
The sea was rough and the rocky coast perilous. Danger was real and dread expectancy active among the sailors. One frantic young sailor who was working below the water line could contain himself no longer.
He rushed to the control room, closed the door behind himself, and stood frozen in fright watching the captain wrestle with the controls of the huge ship.
Skill of mind and strength of hand enabled the captain to guide the vessel through the threatening rocks towards open water.
The captain turned slightly, looked at the frightened sailor and smiled, after which the young sailor returned below deck and assured the crew all danger was over.
When they asked how he knew, he answered “I have seen the face of the captain, and he smiled at me!”
The sailor was assured, because he had seen the face of the captain.
May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus – our ‘captain’ during this last chapter of 2024, allowing and trusting the Holy Spirit to empower us with perseverance, endurance and strength.
Knowing that His grace is sufficient for us – that His power is made perfect in weakness.
And as Paul writes to the Romans in chapter 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
As we reflect on this year, we can be honest about where we’ve fallen short. But we can also give thanks for how God has carried us through. He has given us strength for today and hope for tomorrow. I encourage you to take a moment and ask the Lord to renew your spirit, to help you persevere, endure, and find strength in Him for whatever remains of this year.
As a church, let’s continue to lean into our October prayer focus. Ask God to empower us through His Spirit to finish this year strong, trusting that His plans for us are always greater than what we can see.
Much love
Michelle