Good Morning,

Shifting your focus from your circumstances to God’s character is the foundation of biblical stress management. Stress often makes us feel alone or like everything depends on us until we remember who God is. When we submit to God’s will and apply our faith and obedience to what He has spoken through His Word, we can receive His peace. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

There will be moments when God’s will challenges our comfort; a closed door may feel like rejection, a delay may feel like neglect, and a difficult assignment may seem beyond our ability. Nonetheless, submission says, “Lord, I accept Your direction, - while faith says, Lord, I trust You enough to follow.” Together, these two cause fear to lose its authority, peace to settle the heart, and obedience to become the pathway to spiritual growth.

Faith takes the next obedient step, speaks hope amid uncertainty, prays before panic takes over, and waits without abandoning trust. Faith moves us beyond surrender into action. It is not enough to say God is in control; we must live as though we believe it. We may not know how God will answer, but we can remain confident in who He is.

When we submit to God’s will and apply our faith, we stop fighting in our own strength and begin walking in His power. Submission places our lives in God’s hands, and faith gives us the courage to trust Him even when we cannot see the outcome. It means surrendering our plans, preferences, fears, and timing to God. We acknowledge that His wisdom is greater than ours, His vision reaches farther than ours, and His purpose is better than anything we could design for ourselves.

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: “When you have faith in God, you don’t have to worry about the future. You know it’s all in His hands. You just go and do your best.” —Elder Bryan Mathison

Prayer works, so keep praying and go vote.

Kevin L. Bullock, Sr. – Pastor