Adversity and uncertainty are part of everyone’s life. We are living in a time where Christians and non-Christians are seeking hope amid uncertainty. Today Christians and non-Christians alike seek hope amid uncertainty through prayer, scripture, and trust in a higher power's sovereignty. As humans, we tend to focus on the negative things in front of us. And those bad things are real. In troubled times, talk is cheap while pain and suffering seek authentic connection, compassion and comfort. We are invited to look at Jesus’s life and how He brought us to God and be encouraged so that we don’t grow weary or fainthearted.

Even if you abstain from the news, avoiding conversation about the troubled times in which we live is nearly impossible. Each day intensifies feelings of confusion as we wade through our days tinged with stressful encounters, strained relationships, along with job and financial stresses. All point to a world spinning out of control. Each day intensifies feelings of confusion as we wade through our days tinged with stressful encounters, strained relationships, and job and financial stresses. All point to a world spinning out of control.

When our hearts fail within us because we cannot stand against what is coming at us be it loneliness, illness, or loss. Jesus says, “Don’t lose heart, I have overcome the world.” Sometimes when we’re going through uncertain times, our emotions, whether that’s fear, anxiety, or confusion, overwhelm us and make it hard to pray. I’ve found that when I’m at a loss of what to say to God that I can start with acknowledging how what is happening is making me feel. I’ve found that being honest with God helps me to see my situations in a new light and not as hopeless but as a stormy sea that I’m crossing with my compassionate Heavenly Father.

Your continued financial contributions to support the work of the church are appreciated. Please mail your checks to Payne Chapel A.M.E Church, 2701 Lee St, Houston, Texas 77026, or use Givelify.com on the church website.

Finally, I would like to leave you with this thought for meditation; “Everyone goes through adversity in life, but what matters is how you learn from it.” - Lou Holtz

Blessings,

Pastor Kevin L. Bullock, Sr.