He Goes Before Us
Dear Church Family,
As we stand together at the threshold of a new year, our hearts are filled with both anticipation and trust. We do not know what 2026 will hold, but we know—without a doubt—the One who lovingly goes before us. Whether the days ahead bring moments of joy or times of testing, seasons of abundance or seasons that stretch our faith, this truth remains sure and steady: the Lord is faithful. His promises never fail, and in Christ they are forever “Yes” and “Amen.”
God’s Word assures us in Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” What comfort this brings! Even when life feels uncertain, we can rest in the confidence that our faithful God is at work for our good and for His glory.
As we enter this New Year, let us resolve—together—to be a praying people. Prayer is not something we turn to only in crisis; it is the lifeline that keeps our hearts connected to God in every season. When blessings abound, we come before Him with thankful hearts. When challenges arise, we come with gratitude, perseverance and hope, trusting that our Heavenly Father meets His children in their time of need. Scripture encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), reminding us that prayer anchors us firmly in God when everything else seems to shift.
The apostle Paul modeled this kind of prayerful care for the church in Colossians 1:9–12. He wrote:
“We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding … being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.”
May these same prayers be true for us—that we would grow in wisdom, bear fruit in every good work, and be strengthened by God’s mighty power.
Let us also remember to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). Our strength does not come from circumstances going our way or from the stability of this world, it comes from Christ alone. When we feel weak, He is our strength. When we feel overwhelmed, His grace is more than enough. Life’s storms may shake us, but they do not define us—we are held securely by the unchanging hand of God.
As we move forward, let us remain faithful. Faithfulness is forged, not only in easy moments, but more often, in times when obedience requires trust and courage. The Lord calls us to trust Him even when we do not fully understand His ways, for “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Even when circumstances seem confusing or difficult, God is still working—refining our faith and accomplishing His good purposes in us.
And above all, let us be steadfast. Scripture lovingly exhorts us:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Do not grow weary in doing good. Do not lose heart. Stay rooted in Christ, grounded in His Word, and firm in the hope we have in Him.
Whatever this New Year may bring—whether calm or storm—we commit ourselves anew to the Lord. Let us be a praying people, a faithful people, a strong and steadfast people, confident of this promise: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
The future belongs to God—and we belong to Him. So let us move forward together, not in fear, but in faith! May you and your family experience the Lord’s peace, joy, and richest blessings in the New Year.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Paul