Good Morning,

Many of us are dealing with very difficult storms in our lives, which make our daily lives unpredictable and prone to fear and anxiety. With so much uncertainty right now, it’s easy to sink into despair. Social media is inundated with worst-case scenarios on one end of the spectrum and bitter defiance on the other. We must remember that even as Christians, we can get trapped in the hysteria and lose sight of the fact that God is still in control. Psalm 31:24 said,” Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.”

When daily life feels chaotic, it is hard to find solid ground, and such unpredictability breeds fear and anxiety. We are human, and as humans, we live in a world of pain that leaves us battered, bruised, and scarred. And when the future feels scary, identify the tiny things you can control, like making a cup of tea, resting, or reaching out to a friend, to regain a sense of control.

Dealing with overwhelming life storms, whether emotional, financial, or situational, can make daily life feel unpredictable. Regardless of how the storm came about, the waves of pain come crashing in the form of seemingly insurmountable grief, deep anxiety, and unresolved conflict. Hardships and storms will either cause us to doubt God is good or give us some opportunities to grow in our relationship with our Savior.

In God’s economy, pain always has a purpose, and His word will always be truthful. In His infinite wisdom, there are lessons to be learned and wisdom to be gained during every battle. His goal isn’t our happiness; it is our holiness. And in His plan for our holiness, we must submit to the pruning, which is the only way for us to know Him intimately and for the Holy Spirit to give us His fruits.

Thank you for your financial contributions to support the church's work. Please continue to mail your checks to Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2701 Lee St, Houston, Texas 77026, or use Givelify.com (Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church—Houston, Texas).

Finally, I would like to leave you with this thought for meditation: “Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.”- Rick Warren.

Blessing and strength to you and your family,

Pastor Kevin L. Bullock Sr.