Message: Embracing the Journey Beyond Stumbles (06/28/'24)

Message: Embracing the Journey Beyond Stumbles Dear Beloved Community, Life, in all its beauty and complexity, often presents us with moments of faltering steps and unexpected stumbles. It is during these times that we may feel disheartened, questioning our path and purpose. Yet, I stand before you today to remind you that a stumble in the road is not the end of our journey; it is but a moment, a brief pause in the grand story that God is weaving through each of our lives. In our journey, we are faced with the choice to either escape reality or confront it with courage and faith. Escaping might seem easier, but it leads to the prisons of our past mistakes and regrets. To break free, we must first acknowledge that we are confined, not by physical barriers, but by our own unwillingness to seek the freedom that lies within us. Reaching out for help is a brave and noble act. It is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our strength and humility. It acknowledges that we are part of a greater community, and in our connections with others, we find the support and love we need to rise again. Temptation, in its various forms, tests not just our self-control but the depth of our relationships and the strength of our commitments. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." These divine words remind us that God is always ready to respond to our earnest hearts. Our efforts in asking, seeking, and knocking are never in vain, for God’s promises assure us that our journey continues beyond each stumble. Faith, my dear friends, is our guiding light. It transforms our missteps into lessons and our stumbles into stepping stones. Let no fall define your entire journey, for our path is richer and more profound than the sum of our stumbles. By asking, seeking, and knocking, we open ourselves to new paths, new doors, and new horizons that God has lovingly prepared for us. Let us embrace the journey beyond stumbles with resilient faith. Each stumble teaches us resilience, each fall a lesson in humility, and each rise a testament to our indomitable spirit. Our journey is not just a path we walk but a pilgrimage of faith, hope, and unwavering love. May we continue to walk this journey together, supporting one another, reaching out for help when needed, and always trusting in the promises of our Lord. Amen. In faith and fellowship, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 28, 2024)