I visited a person in the hospital one day, and without any doubt, he has the peace of God. I like what he told me. Having flown over a million miles, he said, every time I boarded a plane, I prayed it would reach its destination. He said God knows where this plane (his boy) is going to land. Often in the valley, we don’t feel like praying, but this is precisely when we need to pray the most.
When you are down, the thought of praying may never enter your mind, and we cry out, “What’s the use? It won’t do any good anyway.” Have you ever felt like this yourself? If we were honest, most of us have been in this place. Millions have loved an old hymn over the years, which reads, “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, Everything to him in prayer.”Remember that prayer not only changes things, but it also changes people.
Another way to overcome worry is to live one day at a time. Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matt. 6:34.)
Generally, we have our hands full with our present problems, so why take on tomorrow’s troubles? It is also true that much, or should I say most, of what we worry about never happens anyway. Most of the time, we are anxious over nothing. My last major meltdown was years ago when I had left my son Chad in a deer stand. The 300 salvage 99 rifle he was carrying made a very distinct sound when fired. That morning, I was some distance from him and heard him shoot. Later, I made my way back to camp, and he was not there, which was odd. I jumped on my three-wheeler and headed to his stand. By the time I got there, I was sliding to a stop and running through the woods as fast as I could, but he was not there. After shouting and getting no answer, my heartbeat doubled. At that point, I found some deer hair and blood, and I knew he was trying to track his injured white-tailed deer. Up to this point, I was terrified of what could have happened to him. Much like our mother, we try to justify our anxiety by reasoning. We can know what Paul experienced in II Cor. 12:9 “…My grace is sufficient…”
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I wanted to share some encouraging news from Ebenezer. While there is always a lot going on each week, I am especially excited to highlight the start of a new Discovery Bible Study (DBS) this week. This ministry is an ongoing priority for me, as I see it as a key driver for spiritual and numerical growth within our congregation.
“For several weeks, I have been discussing with Pablo Rumbos about starting a DBS with people he knows. Since he works the night shift in the cleaning area at UAMS, they are unable to join our regular evening groups. Initially, we considered his home, but due to a lack of space, it was not feasible. However, we thought of an alternative, and last week we were able to start a Wednesday group at The Cove, a coffee shop that graciously allowed us to use their space. We now have a new group meeting every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. At our first meeting, there were five of us, and the coffee shop received us very kindly. We really see how God opens doors.
“I ask for your prayers so that we can start other groups like this one, so that the Word of God can continue to be taught, and more people can come to the knowledge of the truth. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel! Our number was back up to about average, with one first-time visitor and a great time of worship!
“I could probably just repeat last week’s report this week because we are still working on all of the same things. Sometimes things just carry over. We are still planning to start adult Sunday School very soon, and our Seekers youth program is going great!
“We had a youth committee meeting last week and took a “What’s working? What could be improved?” approach to the discussion. We are moving forward with enthusiasm.
“As far as the classroom additions go, they are still coming along nicely, but slowly. The electrical is almost finished, and ductwork will begin very soon.
“We thank you for your continued prayer. In Christ’s Love.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “This week at Faith Journey has been productive for our church family. We have had some great times of connection and ministry at the mission.
“On Thursday, at our visits to the local nursing homes and the adult day center, the Lord blessed us with great attendance. It was heartwarming to see so many residents and staff come together for prayer and worship. These visits continue to be a way for us to live out Christ’s call to serve and love others.
“Tuesday evening, we had our men’s and women’s Bible studies, and what a blessing these times have been to everyone who is attending them. Each week, we grow deeper in God’s Word and in relationship with one another. These studies are helping to build a strong spiritual foundation, filled with truth and fellowship. The conversations are real, the prayers are meaningful and God is clearly moving in our mission.
“We’ve also been encouraged by the continued growth in both our Sunday morning and evening services. New faces are joining us often, and it’s exciting to see that the Lord is drawing people in and stirring hearts. God is doing something special here at Faith Journey. As we continue to move forward and gain spiritual ground, we’re reminded that the enemy doesn’t just sit idly by. Many of our families are experiencing challenges and struggles, and we ask that you keep us lifted in your prayers. As Scripture tells us, when we move closer to God, resistance often follows. But greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. There’s much ahead for our mission, and we are thankful for every step of this journey.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings sisters and brothers in Christ, On Monday the sisters Iris, Nani, Angeles and Angela, gave me a surprise when they took me to the eye doctor at Walmart. There I received an eye exam and a new pair of glasses. They had heard that I had already been three years without going to an appointment with the optometrist. I thank God for their lives and God who places people around us to show us their master.
“Thursday, we were able to have our small group full again. A new family, Victor and Osmery, arrived. It was a very special time as the brothers were very active with their questions.
“On Sunday, we started Sunday school at 11 a.m., the second time I teach it in Spanish and English, since the siblings Elton, Linda and Audrey attended again. At 12:30 p.m., we begin our Sunday service where we pray, worship and continue with the expository series on the book of John.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes “Summer always brings its challenges — vacations, travel and lower attendance — but it’s also opened the door for some incredible conversations.
“The past three weeks at our Woodbridge Connection Group have each looked different, but in all the best ways. While our numbers are down, the smaller gatherings have created space for deeper connection. We’ve had the chance to really sit with families we don’t always get to visit with, and those conversations have been rich.
“The natural slowdown of summer has also allowed us to spend more time pouring into our leaders, which has been life-giving and strategic. God is still moving, even in the quiet weeks — and we’re leaning into what this season makes possible.”
