I remember when we were planning to move from Nebraska to Indiana and as with everything, everyone had some advice for us. Some of it was not very helpful, but there was one statement that I have learned to be very true. “Learn to winter well.” This seemed odd at the time because Nebraska winters weren’t exactly delightful but with each winter in Indiana I understand it better...

Winter in Nebraska is cold and windy but there is almost always some sunshine. Winter in Indiana is cold, windy and dark. There just isn’t much sunshine, just cold, windy, long dark days.

These first couple of months we journeyed through a series called “Just Tell Me Already.” It was a series that helped us realize what God’s will is for our lives. Through it we learned that God’s will is more about who we are than it is where we go or what we do. One of the other truth’s we learned through the life of Joseph was that God is always with us, even in the dark, and man, has that been true this winter!

We have seen God provide new opportunities for community involvement through partnerships with the CarePortal as well as Royal Family Kids. Partnerships that we believe will help us continue to give people a chance to serve the Kingdom within our community. He has provided new partnerships that may allow us to chase even harder after raising up and providing more worship experiences locally and beyond. He has drawn people closer to Him through baptism, service opportunities and the study of His Word. God is always at work, even in the dark winter days in Indiana.

I share all of this with you as an encouragement and reminder that the God we serve takes no days, seasons or moments off. Our God is an exhaustible God that is always working things out for the good of those who love Him. Psalm 121:4-5 says, Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

May you continue to allow our God to lead you and shape you into the person He created you to be trusting that His way, His view, His wisdom is greater. Even when it is dark He is leading you to become the right person to be in the right place at the right time for His purposes.

-Jeff Thompson