Don't Quit: Finding Strength When Life Gets Tough
Have you ever wanted to give up? Maybe it's a work project, or a personal goal, or a relationship. We've all had some experience like that. This past Sunday, Sean Cronin helped us reflect on this challenge through the example of Jesus foretold in Isaiah 50. Sean gave a number of examples of perseverance in every-day life: from a 68-year-old woman in South Korea trying to get a driver’s license after 950 tries; or John Stephen Akhwari, the Olympic marathon runner who finished the race two hours after the winner, despite being injured. These stories highlight perseverance. The struggle for us, is how do we become people who can persevere through difficult situations?
Finding Your Strength
When we look at Jesus through the prophecy of Isaiah 50, we encounter that perseverance isn't a superhuman power. Rather, it's about relying on the strength and power of God to carry you through difficult situations:
Admitting you can't do it without Him
Listening to His words of encouragement
Remembering your true identity in Him
Trusting in Him who is greater than yourself
Jesus himself showed us this path. Jesus faced the most challenging moment of his life - the crucifixion - by relying on the strength of his Heavenly Father to carry him through it. So, what are you tempted to quit on right now? Whatever it is, remember: You're not alone. You're loved. And sometimes, the breakthrough is just one more step away as you rely on God.
Three Questions to Reflect On:
What challenge are you currently facing that makes you want to give up?
How can you remind yourself of your worth in Christ beyond your achievements?
What brother or sister in Christ can you reach out to for support in your current struggle?
This Sunday, we’ll reflect on Isaiah 51:1-16. I hope you'll join us as we continue reflecting on the Suffering Servant passages from the book of Isaiah and the hope they offer to our lives today.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who gave their time to serve, bless, and help create the environment of Merge Madness yesterday! In addition to enjoying volleyball and other games, 6th–12th graders were encouraged to look to Jesus in the storms of life. Thank you for making this opportunity possible for them!
Learn to Serve like Jesus
To help our church meet with Jesus, share openly with Him, and follow His way, our leadership has prepared a prayer guide on Isaiah’s Suffering Servant. Designed for the weeks before Easter, it fosters a daily rhythm of Scripture, prayer, and transformation as we spend time with Jesus. Use it throughout March and April, asking the Lord to deepen your life in Him and lead others to His abundant life.
Catch up on this week’s guide.
Pick up next week’s guide (March 24-29) on the Info Page table this Sunday.
Palm Sunday Donuts
From April 6–12, use your resources to bless someone who’s often overlooked, whether with donuts or another thoughtful gesture. On April 13, we’ll celebrate Palm Sunday and how Jesus has taken notice of us by bringing our favorite donuts to share before and after the 10am gathering. Let’s make His love visible!
An Opportunity to Steward God’s Blessing to Us
Although we've only had a taste of warm weather this past week, summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes the important need to maintain the church lawn. The CCC trustees are seeking members who are willing to serve by mowing the lawn this year. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the upkeep of our church while also experiencing the joy of serving. Mowing requires an approximate once-a-month commitment from April to October. Your help would make a big difference! If interested, connect with Dan Corbett, Jim Ebersole, or Jordan Byrd.
Continue to trust that God is present and active.
