Dear Friends, Life is full of twists and turns, moments of clarity, and seasons of waiting. We all find ourselves at times searching for love, meaning, and a sense of belonging. Some of us have known deep love, only to experience deep hurt. Others have given their best to people who did not value them. Some feel unseen, forgotten, or as if life is passing them by while others move forward.
But here’s the truth: You are not forgotten. You are not overlooked. You are not waiting for life to begin. Right now, exactly where you are, God is working in you, shaping you, preparing you for more than you can imagine. His love is unwavering, His presence is constant, and His promises are sure.
Walking with God in a World That Pulls You Away The world constantly pulls us in different directions. It tells us to chase success, approval, and temporary pleasures. But God calls us to something greater. Enoch lived in a deeply sinful time, yet he chose to walk with God when no one else did (Genesis 5:21-24). His life teaches us that walking with God is not about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about making the choice today. Romans 13:11 reminds us, “It is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed.”
Every day we put off faith is a day we could have been walking in God’s purpose. This world will distract us if we let it. It is easy to fall into routines, spending hours scrolling through social media, dwelling on what we don’t have, or wondering why things aren’t working out the way we planned. These things create a spiral—one that keeps us stuck in the same patterns, making us feel lost, unmotivated, or even hopeless.
If you feel like you’re in that spiral, do something different. Step away from the noise. Get outside. Go for a walk in Bernheim Forest or Jefferson Memorial Park. Take a friend, talk about life, and remind yourself that the world is bigger than whatever is weighing you down. Walking with God doesn’t just happen in a church building—it happens in quiet moments of reflection, in nature, in real conversations, and in choosing to live with intention.
Trusting God When You Can’t See the Outcome
Abraham asked God, “How will I know?” when he was given the promise of descendants and a future he could not yet see (Genesis 15:8). That same question is one we ask in so many ways—How will I know I am on the right path? How will I know God has something good for me? In response, God made a covenant with Abraham, proving that His promises are not empty. Even when the night was dark and terrifying, God was there (Genesis 15:17-18). Philippians 3:18-20 reminds us that many live only for the moment, consumed by temporary things. But as believers, we are called to think beyond today, beyond what we can see.
We are called to trust in a God who is always working, even when life feels uncertain. If you are in a season of waiting, of uncertainty, of wondering when or if things will change—know that God is not absent. He is writing a story far greater than the one you might be trying to force. Surrendering to His timing does not mean giving up on your desires. It means believing that if He has called you to wait, there is a reason. Psalm 23:5 reminds us, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
Even when life seems chaotic, even when doors close, even when people let us down—God is preparing something for us. The Love You Long for is Rooted in God’s Love Many of us have been in relationships—romantic or otherwise—that left us feeling unseen, unchosen, or unworthy. We’ve poured ourselves out for people who did not value us, who hurt us, or who made us question our worth. It is natural to long for a love that is steady, kind, and faithful.
But here is what is most important to remember: The love you desire, the love you need, is not found in another person—it is found in God. He is the one who chooses you every single day, in every circumstance. Not because of what you do, but because of who you are. Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” The love that is meant for you will reflect this love. It will not leave you anxious. It will not make you question your worth. It will not be inconsistent or conditional. Love that mirrors Christ’s love will be patient, kind, and selfless (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). But before love finds you again, you must believe in the love that already surrounds you. You must see yourself the way God sees you—worthy, cherished, chosen. Finding Strength in Hard Moments Some seasons will test you. You will face setbacks, heartbreaks, disappointments. You will have moments where you feel like giving up.
But these moments are where strength is built. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character. Hard times are not meant to destroy you; they are meant to shape you. If you feel like you are in a battle, remember that God has given you everything you need to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:11 tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the enemy’s schemes. This means protecting your heart, guarding your mind, and surrounding yourself with truth. And don’t fight alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one. Find people who lift you up, who encourage you, who remind you of truth when you forget it yourself. If you feel isolated, reach out. If you see someone else struggling, check in on them. We are meant to walk this road together. The Reward of Walking with God Genesis 5 repeats over and over: “And he died… and he died… and he died.” But Enoch was different. He did not die like everyone else because he did not live like everyone else. 1
Thessalonians 4:13-14 tells us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Jesus, in the promise of something greater than what this world offers. Every choice you make today is shaping who you will become in five, ten, or twenty years. The world tells you to focus only on the present, but God calls you to something eternal. Choose to walk with Him, even when it’s difficult. Choose to trust Him, even when you don’t have all the answers.
You Are Not Alone If you ever feel lost, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and so are those who care about you. If you need encouragement, a place to grow, or a reminder of truth, I invite you to join us at Douglass Hills Church of Christ. Sunday Worship: 9:30 AM & 5:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Location: 12420 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243 You are welcome here. You are valued here. You are loved—not because of what you have done, but because of who God is. May you walk forward in faith, knowing that He is guiding your steps.
With hope and encouragement, John