Most of us do not like “surprises.” We like to be in control. But, if we are honest, there is very little that we are actually in control over.
As our lives march forward, we notice more and more that we are less and less in control. From a biblical perspective this makes us normal. Every role model of great faith had to relinquish control of their lives to God. In most cases this transpired over years. As a congregation, we can look back over 2021 and see that God poured out many blessings on us as we turned over control to Him.
David Brock encouraged us last year to sincerely engage ourselves in prayer for one another. Prayer in itself forces us to admit we are not in control. As we open up the coming year, let’s continue to look to and submit to God both on a personal and congregational level. Like every year, 2022 will not be without challenges. But let’s remember that it is through these challenges that God gives us the opportunity to turn more and more of our lives over to his control. Reality is that the more we let go and give to God, the more hope we have for the best year of our lives in 2022. When we GIVE UP more of ourselves, we make room for more of HIM. This gives us great HOPE in the coming year.
“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when our endurance is fully developed, you will be complete, needing nothing.” James 1:3,4 (NLT)
Eric Bowman
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.