“He reduces rulers to nothing and makes the elite of the earth as nothing.”   Isaiah 40:23

Why are we so disturbed by the confusion of our Nation?  
Have we forgotten the power of God and his wisdom that stretches out the expanse of the sky? He does not sit and wring his hands not knowing what to do.  He is the Mighty One who keeps everything in control.  He truly knows what he is doing.  We are the ones who do not know what is happening.  Let us trust the One who has all the wisdom and power to set things in order!

Have we forgotten God hears the prayers of his people?  Instead of walking in fear and confusion, we are to walk in love in everything we do, say, and think - that means our prayers as well.  God expects us to pray for those who rule in foolishness and have unrighteous agendas. Remember, no one is too far gone to be saved and their heart to be changed.  The Word says love never fails and covers a multitude of sin.  No city or nation is too far gone that God cannot save!

Let us do our part and God will surely do his part.  There is also no nation too far gone to be healed!  Though our world seems dark, God can come in glory and set things in order.  God is mighty to save!  Let us do what God desires of his children and let God be God and praise Him for who He is!

Dennis and Sandra Beckman
The Pathway Outreach

Believers, Jesus has given this authority (power) to all believers: “Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions (devil and demons) and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by no means hurt you” Luke 10:19.  We do not need to be concerned any longer with what the devil is doing.  Our attention needs to be upon the things God has called us to do and nothing can stop the work of God to which we are called.  Our divine protection according to God belongs to us.  We should be confessing… “nothing shall by any means hurt me or my family.”  God’s Word is our shield but we have to have faith in it for total immunity from all the works of the devil.
 
Most Christians need to renew their thinking in regards to the enemy and stand up for our justice and righteousness.  As we think about Jesus, his Word, and the things of God and put it into practice the enemy will be dealt with sufficiently. God is for us and on our side; He doesn’t leave us.  The Word has already told us… “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 15:57.  Our victory does not depend on educational degrees, Sunday school certificates, or perfect attendance of church.  Victory is ours because of what Jesus has done!

When you are defending the kingdom and what God has given us and our righteousness we are invincible and unbeatable because… ”If God be for us, who can be against us?”  “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth” Romans 8:31,33. Believers, do not allow yourselves to be upset by adverse circumstances, instead profess the mighty, living Word of God and realize who you are in Christ!  Circumstances cannot overcome God’s promises and situations do not determine our decisions.  Pray and read your Word concerning the situations and listen to God and He will tell you what to do.  The situation, whatever it may be, needs to change and line up with the Word.  Remember, it is God who makes us a winner, and God dominates the enemy through us!  Because Jesus has given us his Name, his Blood, and his Word we can be victorious and there is no power stronger!  Profess, “Jesus is Lord and lives big in me and fear is a thing of the past!”

Dennis and Sandy Beckman
The Pathway Outreach

Have you been caught up in your chores or your job?
Are you just too busy to hear the call of the Lord…? “Come back to Me.”
 
We don’t necessarily leave the Lord, but our thoughts can be filled with so many other things that we neglect to spend time and nourish the thoughts of the Lord! If we are not careful, too much time may slip by that we have not been nourished by the Word in our much needed personal time with Jesus!

We cannot live on last week’s spiritual time with the Lord and his powerful Word. We need it every day! Without spending time each day in fellowship and prayer with our Lord, we do not have the strength, peace, wisdom and insight we need for that day. We miss out in the steps the Lord prepared for us and the blessings and the leading of the Holy Spirit for that particular day.

Time can become a taskmaster of our day and our thoughts if we allow it. Jesus wants to be the center of our time and our agenda so our day is blessed in every way. He desires to be a part of your day! So listen for your Master’s voice calling you; don’t be so far away that you cannot hear it any more… stay in tune. He waits for you each morning after watching over you all night and is anxious to fellowship with you, share his love, and listen to all you want to share with Him. Jesus never leaves us and He is with us moment to moment. His Presence is a gift we should cherish and honor all through each day. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you realize and be sensitive to the Lord’s Presence throughout each day and give thanks and praise that Jesus loves you so much and wants to share each moment with you of every day! No one loves you like Jesus!

“Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, says, ‘Come back to Me! By returning and resting in Me you will be saved. In quietness and trust you will be made strong.” Isaiah 30:15

Dennis and Sandy Beckman
The Pathways Outreach

Extreme fear of the unknown can cripple a person. Unfortunately, death is one of the unknown facts for everyone, even Christians. Even though they know they are going to heaven, some Christians still fear the unknown. People wonder what they will see on the other side. Some worry about the people left behind - if they will be able to adjust. While some wonder how God will take them. Then, there are those who fear they will be taken before they get a chance to be married, or the chance to experience what they've always dreamed of doing! There are many unanswered questions that can be frustrating.

But death is not something Christians need to fear! For them, death is not the end of the story. It is a gateway to a place of indescribable joy and beauty. If it was not so Jesus would not have said it was! It’s the beginning of a new life, a life with Jesus! When you are in the Presence of Jesus, you are in peace, joy and love. Fear is something that is a learned emotion. We are not born with this emotion; children are not afraid of death because they don’t understand it. But, as they grow and see the response of adults, the media to death, they learn it must be something awful and to be avoided.

After we become Christians, we need to go through a relearning process about death. Paul quotes, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (Phil. 1:21). Paul learned that death would actually put an end to the struggles he faced on the earth. He looked forward to the day when he could see Christ face-to-face. But in the meantime he had work to do - winning souls to Christ! Life was not a chore… but a privilege! Fear of dying doesn’t disappear instantly, but as you spend time in the Bible, fellowshipping with Jesus and other Christians you will grow to realize that death is only another door you walk through into eternity - which will be far better than your wildest dreams!

Sandy and Dennis Beckman
The Pathways Outreach

The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner’s light is snuffed out.”   Proverbs 13:9

We all have to agree that these days are dark and heavy, but what a better time to be joyful, enthusiastic, and have a happy, giving heart?! You say, "Whattttttttt!?"  That’s right! It is a good time to show the joy of the Lord to a world that is down and feels defeated.

When those who are depressed can’t seem to find their way, they will wonder, "What do they have?" "Why are they so happy?"  "I want what they have!"  This is a good time to bring encouragement and share the love God wants to give to the sad, broken, worried, and heavily burdened. 

This is not a time to join in with a depressed nation who feels defeated; it’s a time to show them there is a better way!  What the world needs now is love, comfort, joy, hope, and assurance; they need, JESUS, the Way Maker! We have what they need; we can share Jesus with them and his love for them!  This is what God expects his children to do!

Hearts are heavy and ready for relief and to hear words of healing, hope, and kindness. They need to know someone cares! Jesus cares and so do we!  There is something that every Christian can do for someone.  Think about what you could do for a neighbor, a friend, a stranger, someone at work, a waitress, a clerk at the store, or even someone one who might be in your church family.  Pray and ask God what could you do for someone to help them be encouraged and uplifted!  Everyone knows of someone!  Don’t miss out on this opportunity! The Bible tells us the fields are waiting and ready! This is a great time to show the love of Christ! Isn’t this what Christians are called to do?  It is not a time to hide your light under a bushel basket!  Take advantage of this down time and lift someone up! Let them know there is a way and a Way Maker!

“The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.” Proverbs 10:32

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
    from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and of might,
    the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
Isaiah 11:1-2

The Spirit of a mighty warrior is upon you.  You are bold and courageous because the Spirit of the Lord lives inside of you!  You are NOT a weak, faint-hearted, Christian!  You are called to stand in the Lord’s strength and anointing.

God wants you to know who you are.  You are dynamic and powerful!  When you know who you are the even the Devil fears you! So, he tries to deceive you with lies. When YOU realize who you are in Christ, and when the devil sees you coming, he thinks God is approaching because you are walking around in your Father’s clothes… the righteousness of Christ Jesus and the full armor of God!  You are not just a bride who rests in his arms; you are a confident bride who stands by his side and knows who you are!

You are what God says you are! Do not listen any more to the words of doubt the devil wants you to believe; listen to the One who loves you and rejoices over you. The One who sustains you every day. The One who created you - the Creator of all - God Almighty!

Let us pray:
Father, I now feel my faith rising inside of me!  Infuse me with courage and confidence.  You have said I am powerful, filled with Your Spirit, and made in your image and your Word is true of who I am.  I believe your Word and declare it, and I will not believe the lies of what the devil claims I am.  “I declare right now, I am strong and anointed and I have the Spirit of a mighty warrior!”  We will run together, so I will fulfill your call upon my life.  I thank you, Father, for who You have made me. Amen.

Dennis and Sandy Beckman
The Pathways Outreach

“Yet still, you are our Father. We are like clay and you are our Potter. Each one of us is the creative, artistic work of your hands.” Isaiah 64:8

Every intricate detail about you has been carefully planned. You are the Father’s desire!

You are unique, significant and rare!
You are his beautiful design.
You are his most exquisite work of art.
You must believe what God says about you!
God does not lie and cannot lie, for it is not in his nature.
God says you are flawless, beautiful, and sublime.
You’re the apple of his eye, his treasure, and his bride.
You are wise, favored, and successful.
You are the fragrance of Christ, complete in Him.
You are the outpouring of the Father’s love and you are His!

If you have not seen yourself as the Father sees you, you are denying his creative work and the
Father’s desire of you. You now need to accept his Words and be defined by what He has claimed about you. Then, you will have the hope and confidence you need. For the power of truth is like a breath of fresh air. Confess daily what God has said about you until it becomes a reality to you.

You might not understand it, just choose to believe it!

Dennis & Sandy Beckman 
The Pathway Outreach

 “Look! Here comes Lord Yahweh a victorious warrior; he triumphs with his awesome power”.
 Isaiah 40:10

There is nothing in this world too hard for the Lord to have victory over!  

Even though this Nation is in disarray, the Lord knows how to bring it together, for He is good and He is love!  His grace and power have the ability to transfigure the worst, ugly mess into beauty!  We have to look toward the promises of God with a faith-fill vision. He is the Way-Maker.  When there is no way, He will provide a way!  He has already made a way, but it takes our faith to find it.

We have to exchange out fears for faith in Him and in his power and love.  God is alive and worthy of our trust!  He is mighty in power and strong to save!  Instead of looking at the natural, look into the spirit with faith and see our King coming to set us free from our nation's troubles. Our Father is awesome!  He is filled with majesty, glory and grace!  He is a God of breakthrough!

Oh ye of little faith... He will come to our rescue! Just trust, believe, and He will lead us to the joy of victory.  So worship and praise in advance of what is now in the natural and look into the faith-filled vision of victory!  For God has already overcome the world: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Sandie Beckman
THE PATHWAY OUTREACH

By: Dennis and Sandy Beckman
The Pathways Outreach 

Just as the pictures of Van Gogh, Gauguin, or Rembrandt are valuable, the same is true of humans. What makes these paintings so valuable is the signature of an artist written on the bottom of the paintings, even when the untrained eye cannot see the meaning of the painting.

The same is true for humanity. Some people think they are valuable because of their status or their finances or their intelligence. Others think we are valuable because we are the most evolved creatures on the planet. but Psalm 8 teaches that we are valuable because we are made in the Image of God. In spite of our sinfulness and breaking God's laws, we still bear the image of the One who made us! It's easy to believe this of kind and thoughtful people, but it's often hard to believe this of people who are incarcerated, on death row, or even those who commit heinous acts of terrorism. We are all like a masterpiece that has been splattered with dirt and mud because of our sin but, underneath all the grime, we still have the Master's signature on us! Our worth is not based on our goodness, but because we have God's signature on us. 

Knowing this should help us treat others with love, God's love, even those who seem to only exist to annoy us and make life unpleasant, to the parents who constantly criticize, or the boss you never seem to please. But remember, they bear the signature of God, the Master Artist. And so do you. Regardless of the failures or mistakes and even the sin and rebellion, the fact is we are all the most priceless objects in the universe!

Psalm 8:3-6
When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their feet.

Jesus said, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you" John 15:7. The word abide means to remain, to be steadfast; it implies a staying, a steadiness, a keeping on. Abiding comes by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God working and dwelling in you.

The secret of the law of abiding is prayer and obedience, because, without obedience, our prayers are ineffectual. If we obey and do as God leads, then we have that privilege of abiding. Also, in the Word, abiding requires self-denial. It is very important to deny self in order to remain in the abiding. When self is assertive, we cease our abiding. We are to take up our cross and follow Him, which means we deny self and follow Christ no matter the cost. In our daily submission to Christ, we become a servant given over to the will of God - instead of self - doing his will on Earth as it is in Heaven!

We must also trust in the Lord! This is another big part of abiding. We are to have a childlike heart, meaning we are to lean and depend on the Lord for understanding and wisdom. Without the love of God working in us, it is difficult to abide. Love is the chord that holds the abiding. God's word of abiding produces faith. There must be a child-like faith, believing, trusting, and persevering. Abiding must be permanent and continuous and sincere. Praise also has a great part in abiding. It's getting alone, praising and honoring the Lord, giving Him glory, thanksgiving and gratitude.

Remember, the power to abide and do all of these things is not in us! It is in HIM! It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to abide in God; for Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In abiding in Christ, there is a relationship and a fellowship. There is something that cannot be explained or told in our earthly minds. In this abiding, the heart hears, the soul listens, and there is the refining and cleansing in Him as we abound in Him!

Our Father God, who loves us more than we can comprehend, wants us to be honest, real, open and vulnerable with him. He is well-informed and not surprised of our problems and troubles, or when we get worn out, doubtful or discouraged.

But, in order to get past these drawbacks we must be transparent. We must be willing to be honest about these areas where are faith is struggling. God is not frustrated or disappointed with us; He just wants us to open up to him so his grace can heal us. When we bare our hearts with him, his mercy melts our anxious thoughts and peace floods our souls. When we lost our way in the blackness of doubt, confusion, and anxiety, God desires to rescue us with his love and deliver us from our struggles. He desires and longs for us to feel free to come to him with an honest and open heart. God wants to get our focus back on what we know to be the truth.

"...He never gets weary or worn out. His intelligence is unlimited; he is never puzzled over what to do!" 
Isaiah 40:28

Those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.

Father, may your grace and mercy help me to see clearly and to remember what you taught me. Crack the dark shell of doubt and expand my heart. Help me to know and remember I can always come freely when I struggle with doubt and anxiety. For in your presence there is peace, healing, and abundant love and grace. In your presence, I see you clearly.
Amen

Sandra and Dennis Beckman
Founders of The Pathways Outreach

Can you hear the Lord’s love calling out to you... listen...

“I have swept away your sins like a thick cloud. I have made your guilt to vanish like mist disappearing into thin air. Now come back, come back to me, for I have paid the price for you.” Isaiah 44:22 

His longing to be with us doesn't fade away. Even when we fall or fail in our trials, God doesn’t push us away. He doesn’t give us a guilt trip, or a silent treatment of disapproval. He simply, yet powerfully, gives us what we need to come back to Him. Some might build walls to dull his presence and try going their way, but He is still close to them - clearing a way where there is no way... back to Him. He is our WAY MAKER! Only faith could show Him standing before you, waiting with open arms drawing you back to Him and helping you to remember who you truly are... God’s blessed child! If you have gotten off the path to your loving Father, He is truly waiting for your return. Close your eyes and see Him there right by your
side with outstretched arms wanting to welcome you back. Go ahead... answer his love call to you. God longs for you to share your heart...right now. Then, you might want to share your prayer, or the following prayer:

Father, thank you for never condemning me, or giving up on me, and always reminding me who I am when l forget that I am a child of God. I thank you Father for making the path clear so I know where I belong - even in my weakness - and that I am still, and always will be, loved. But most of all, thank you Father for your mercy. Amen.

Dennis and Sandie Beckman

"We will not fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

There are many storms that can cause damage, but the storm of evil in a society leaves scars and changes. 

David complained to God about society of the evil where the wicked seemed to prosper, while the righteous suffered. We have to remember God is never blind to circumstances or deaf to his children's cries! The bible tells us there will be tribulations, pain, and suffering. We don't always know when it will come or what to expect, but when it does we are to focus and reflect on the good, for we know tribulation will accomplish perseverance or steadiness by slowing us down and turning us to God. You can count on it that God is surely aware of the evil that bestows us. Our prayers to God will help us face the trial and make sure that God receives the glory in the mist of it!

Just know that God will punish all evil at his proper time. There are many violent storms every day: the storm of hunger, the storms of crime that we hear about every day on TV, the storms among our government, the storm of doubt that rolls into our life with a flurry with gale force winds and storms of broken hearts, and the storms of sickness, unexplained accidents, and death.

I know many people ask,"If God is a good father, why do good people feel so bad?" "If God is in control, why do good people have to face so many gut-wrenching problems?" "Where is God in this storm ?" Sometimes the storms of doubt cloud over the truth and hope and weaken our faith. But God says, " When the storm of doubt comes, look around you. I am closer than you think. Don't look for a bonfire, look for the candle light, and hear and focus on the whispered promises I gave you." 

Evil, wickedness, and deceit define how a world without God behaves. Yet the righteous are to live according to God's commands! Truth, justice, and a passion for righteousness is what pleases God. The challenge is to wait and stay in peace; to trust God through all the storms of life. He will one day balance the scales. Look for the light amidst the storm, and the rainbow of peace. God has given His promise to uphold you and help you and to strengthening you though all troubles; so, let these words enfold you like a warm blanket, sheltering you from the coldness of the storm you face and and the fear and dismay.

Believe God's promise that His powerful presence is with you at all times and you will never face anything alone. Allow the awareness of his promises fill you with peace and joy: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isiah 41:10

Dennis and Sandy Beckman
The Pathway Outreach

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and what ever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

 "Whatever he does shall prosper." This includes everything - your family, children, marriage, business, ministry, job, and your health.

It means God intends what He says... everything will prosper!

However, no promise is without responsible action on our part. No one will prosper until they start doing what God says. Many people want the promised results without responsible commitment, but none of us will ever gain anything truly in just an instant. It takes time to develop. God's answers occur when we put His word into action and wait for God to mature our lives. As you give your total self to God, He gives His total self to you, then your total body, mind, emotions, relationships, and material needs are met. Above all, His prosperity brings eternity. Jesus said that He came to give life! Not just ordinary existence, but life in fullness, abundance, and prosperity. (John 10:10). Scripture shows us God wants us to be happy and prosperous. This was God's plan from the beginning for man! We are not only to be prosperous in this life, but in the eternal life to come!

God Bless,

Dennis and Sandie Beckman

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affection and faithful in prayer"  Romans 12:12

Hope is a golden cord connecting God's children to heaven. 

This cord helps us to hold our head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting us. The golden cord of hope is like icing on a cake - it provides additional blessings! When you cling to hope, you can perceive God cheering you on, encouraging you with absolute certainty of heaven. But, you must continue to hold your head up high because, if you let it drop down, you will only see the perplexity of your problem. Many Christians get so intent upon seeking pleasure in this world that  they forget about their ultimate , eternal home. It is pleasing to our Father when we cling to his hope-cord as a lifeline when we are struggling with various problems. It also reduces our burdens, making it easier to stand up straight! But, we must first keep our focus on his presence and his promises, and not our problems! That is what God desires and requires of us. Our tendency to be problem-focused only robs much of our joy.

Hope is essential to our perseverance - getting us through hard times. Without hope, we would give up. No matter how hopeless things here on earth seem, in Christ we have ultimate, eternal hope. People who don't know Christ have nothing but their own hopelessness to cling to. Hope is trusting God to act in his timing, and when we honor God, our hopes can be richly fulfilled. We have faith in God to do what He has promised, and we can be absolutely sure that He will!

So, our hopes are not idle, but built on the solid foundation of his trustworthiness!

"The hope of a good man (godly) is eternal happiness; the hope of an evil men are all in vain." Proverbs 10:28

"O Lord,You alone are my hope." Psalm 71:5

"You will have courage because you have hope." Job 11:18

         
The Pathway Outreach
Dennis and Sandie Beckman

Prayer is an appeal to God to give ear to our words and consider our inner beings. Our longing to connect with God and seek his heart. Prayer is not a routine, but an earnest cry to listen to our prayer. We come to Him in covenant relationship and we plead our cause because He is our King and God. The Lord always hears our prayers and is always willing and wanting us to come to Him. We do not pray just to speak, but to get an answer... to hear God speak!

Sometimes we think God will not hear us because we have fallen short of  his high standards for holy living. But God listens to us because we have been forgiven. When you feel your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that, as a believer, you have been set apart by God and He loves you! He truly hears and answers us (although his answers may not be what we expect). Look at yourself in the light of God's power, instead of looking at God in the light of your problems.

"You can be sure of this: The Lord has set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him."  Psalm 4:3

Dennis and Sandie

Many people think God is a task-master and is always mad at you. God is not mad. God loves you!

The Bible tells us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." God is for you and he wants you to know that he is beside you and leading you. He goes before you to straighten your path. God says to you, "I will not leave you or forsake you." (Joshua 1:5). So, we are able to say boldly, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6) God has promised never to abandon you, even when you are in impossible circumstances... because He is FOR YOU! You do not need to let situations determine your decisions. Just listen and follow God. He will direct you in the way you should go - a way that will always align with the God's Word.

Do not confess negative words. Instead, confess what God's Word says, " If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." (Romans 8:31,33) Confess the positive: "God makes me a winner and I can achieve everything God calls me to do. I am never alone and fear is a thing of the past. Winning is my way because God is for me!"

Dennis and Sandie

Don’t you just love when everything in life goes the way you plan? You land your dream job. You get accepted to the college of your choice. You finally start making enough money to break the paycheck to paycheck cycle. You close on the perfect house for you and your family. Your children and loved ones are healthy. Everything is great. When your hopes, dreams, and goals come to fruition it feels good. But things rarely turn out the way we plan do they?

Take this year for instance. Everyone was looking forward to 2020 being a great year, a new start, with fresh vision and goals, and then… COVID-19 strikes. Everything is put on hold. We think, “Wait, this is NOT how I thought 2020 was going to go!” We don’t know what is going to happen; we don’t know what the future is going to hold. People are losing their jobs. Some are sick. Some can’t see or visit their loved ones in the hospital. Some don't have enough money to make ends meet! It’s during these times worry can begin to take over.

Take a look back at your life. Think about the goals you reached; the hopes that have been fulfilled. You made it. But did the process go the way you planned? Probably not.

I remember one year at Southeastern University I knew God wanted me to go on a mission’s trip. I went to the interest meetings of all the trips that I wanted to know more about, and I decided on a trip to Egypt. I was so excited. I always wanted to go somewhere not many people have been. I wanted to go to the Middle East. Something about it excited me. Everything was great. Until, one thing led to another, and the trip ended up getting canceled. I was devastated and lost, not knowing what to do next. I remember praying to God in my dorm room asking me what he wanted me to do! A few weeks later, I saw one of my former teammates on the Egypt team in our school’s coffee house. He told me that he was actually leading another trip to India and really needed one more person for the trip to be given the green light. All of a sudden, it clicked, and I knew this was the opportunity God had for me all along. My trip to India changed my life. It grew my love for missions and stretched me in many, many ways! Plus, I ended up going AGAIN the next summer.

All this happened because of a process that didn’t go the way I had planned. But the destination was abundantly more beautiful because of it.

All of this to say, sometimes the destination is not what we had planned.

Or, if it is, the process and journey is way more difficult or confusing than we initially anticipated.

Whichever situation you find yourself in today, know that God is FOR you. He is in control. He is trustworthy. Plus, he knows what he is doing! How can we fix our eyes on that truth? How can we give our worry to God and allow him to transform our hearts?

1. Worship
There is something so special that happens when we worship God in the midst of tough situations. Not only does God love to hear his people worship him, but worship has the amazing power to turn our focus from ourselves to God in a matter of seconds! Instead of looking at our situation, we look to Jesus. Instead of looking at the here and now, we focus on the bigger picture! When we worship, we are surrendering to the will of our savior, creator, father, and friend who holds us in his hands and we are shifting our focus to what matters most!

Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

2. Surrender
Worry has far deeper roots than one might think. Worry stems from control. Worry stems from our desire to rule our own lives instead of letting the king (Jesus) to rule our lives. Worry can cease when we surrender our desires and plans to the will of God and let him work all things out. Instead of telling God how we want things done, we should be asking God to let his will be done!

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

The day we decided to follow Christ, was the day we started taking up our cross and laying down our lives – every part! Maybe you need to take some time today to take up that cross once again and lay down your life at the feet of your savior so that he can have control! And when you do... peace will come.

Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1st Peter 5:7

3. Ask
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Once you spent some time in worship and have surrendered your ways to the Lord, present your requests to God. (When you do this, you may find that the requests you had at the start may not be the same requests you have now! These things really do change our perspective! Seriously, I challenge you to try it out!)

We are God’s children. He cares for us. He wants to bless us. He has plans to prosper us not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). He is for us. So, ask him for what you need. Do you need income? Do you need to feel love? Do you need healing? Do you need a loved one to know Jesus? Do you need a new job? Ask.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:9-11

If Jesus is your Savior, you are his child and He longs to give you good gifts. Don't doubt that truth. Grab hold of it and trust in Him!

 Lou Krutz - Lead Pastor

I love the kids song "He has the the whole world in HIS hands." The faith in that statement is profound, he has the worlds Joys and troubles in his hand. Yet as we move further into our current situation is seems everywhere you look there is uncertainty, confusion… but in a way, I think uncertainty is one of God’s favorite environments. He seems to be able to accomplish the most!
Uncertainty can create moments of great FAITH or it can cause moments of FEAR and insecurity. It is not that the situation is that much different, it is the reaction that makes all the difference. I see right now an opportunity for faith to be displayed to a fearful world!

What we have noticed in these moments is that what is important begins to be our priority. What seemed to be important yesterday really doesn’t matter so much anymore. As this change happens our dependence on God and each other takes shape. We see that those are the things that matter. People matter to God, and matter to us!

How many of you found or returned to your faith during a difficult period?

In a season like this we are seeing the Church become innovative and creative, not shying back but pressing in. Most of what we are given in the Scriptures was written in environments of uncertainty by people who faced extraordinary challenges. The Bible is not filled with feel good messages for a world we don’t live in. We find God speaking directly into uncertain times. We see his hand in the midst of uncertainty. He is not absent in uncertainty!

Pick your favorite Bible story/character. Do you as you review the life circumstances they faced see the uncertainty? What was going on? 

The Bible is filled with stories of people facing uncertainty and discovering that not only is God not absent, he is often at work accomplishing his will in this world and in the lives of those he loves. Often it is a way that is mysterious to us. He is working it all together; he is in the background.
We are reminded how very much God is in control and how very much we are not when we look out. The God we find in Scripture seems way too passive at times. It leaves us way too vulnerable and dependent. This is one reason why Judas betrayed Jesus. He moved way too slow. Things appeared uncertain;  so when God didn’t seem to act, he felt someone needed to. We can feel the same way - that God appears to be acting to slow, that he isn’t doing all that he could be doing, so I better take action.

What if your action could disrupt what God was doing…?

As frustrating as some of the answers might be, the options are worse: Worry? Panic? Overreaction? I’ve never known any of those things to be productive. So, what should we do?

Philippians 4:4.
Context is always extremely important.
This is a Letter to Christians in Philippi - the first church in Europe. This letter is written from Rome. Paul had been arrested. He claimed Roman citizenship which forced them to send him to Rome for trial. Nero was the emperor. On the way, his ship is caught in a storm and swept out to sea for two weeks. It wrecks on the island of Malta, where they spend three months. God assures him he will stand before Nero.

He arrives in Rome and lives under house arrest for at least two years, probably longer. There, he drew crowds to hear him teach. He was martyred on the Ossian Road several miles outside of Rome around AD 61-66. While he was there, he wrote the following:

Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Rejoice in the Lord always.

Rejoice: To be in a state of happiness and well being; be glad. Always!

IN THE LORD: The three words in the middle change everything; it takes the responsibility from you to HIM. We don’t rejoice in our accomplishments or what we can do, but what God does!
When we Reflect on God’s grace and mercy it helps our emotions be brought up to speed! That is why we sing songs. That is why we cheer at baptism. That's why we believe the more we praise God the more we detach from our current surroundings and allow our emotions to be brought into proper alignment!

Verse 5: Let your gentleness be evident to all. [kindness, courteous, forbearing spirit]

Don’t let uncertainty take its toll on your character - the way you treat and respond to others. Isn’t that what happens? Kindness is a fruit of the spirit. Often, our kindness can become a rotten fruit when things don’t go as they should. Paul in essence is saying now people will see what we are made of. It will be EVIDENT. The evidence of who we are shows!

How has the recent uncertainty affected your responses to those around you? Temper? Nerves?

VERSE 6: Do not be anxious about anything . . . [Troubled/distracted by the future/what might happen!] . . . but in every situation . . . [We are to channel all that energy, thought, and time. Here’s what to do as you lay awake in bed at night... by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

This is bigger than “Help!” This isn’t about informing God. This is about discovering for yourself what you really fear and what you are really after/desire and revealing that to God.
Uncertainty surfaces our deepest insecurities and our hidden values. When you move past, “Help me find a job, help with this or that, help me ….” What is behind all of those legitimate requests: security, my concern for my family, my need to feel important again, my need to be viewed a certain way by my peers, my fear that God doesn’t know or care. It reveals the deeper roots from which the request comes from.

Uncertainty comes to elicit fear. Fear, if explored, can reveal our deepest desires . . . what we really want. When we are able to discover and give to God those deep, otherwise unknown desires, something happens:

Our circumstances don’t change, but we move from our uncertainty to God’s certainty! Circumstances might not change but we do!

Parents: This is an opportunity to teach your children how to respond to uncertainty. Involve them in the process!

And the promise fits this interpretation of what Paul is suggesting.
7 And the peace of God . . . which transcends all understanding . . . [Peace that doesn’t make any sense because nothing has changed. Peace that allows you to remain peaceful.] . . . will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Stand guard over your heart, keeping the uncertainty from controlling your emotions and mind.]

Now I would like to do a little reality check. If you have ever experienced the Peace of God in circumstances that should have called for anything but peace, would you acknowledge that by praising God right where you are?

But proclaim what God has done in the past and praise him for what he will do today and tomorrow. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is certain when everything appears uncertain!