Sometimes in life the directions we take don’t always pan out. Life can throw you curved balls, and the dreams you had can be shattered. You can find yourself in a metaphorical grave! As Christians we can sometimes strive to do the things we THINK God wants for us, unaware that it’s not the direction he intended for our lives. We try in our own strength, not in his.

Thankfully, we can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over every twist and turn. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Our plans may not always unfold as we expect, but God is always working behind the scenes, guiding us toward what He knows is best.

Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, it can feel like a setback, but in reality, it might be a setup for something better—something we couldn’t have seen or understood at the time. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even in the detours and challenges, we can trust that God is with us, leading us through each moment, and that His plans for us are ultimately for our good and His glory. So, even when the path is unclear or doesn’t make sense, we can rest in the truth that He’s got it all under control and is shaping our lives according to His perfect will. Keep trusting, even in the unknown. So today choose to get up out of that grave, and trust in God’s goodness.

If you like this post, join us for Church in Caerphilly every Sunday at 11:00am. Click here for more info!

Getting out of bed on a cold, dark winter morning isn’t easy – we’ve all been there. The warmth of the blankets, the quiet outside, and the thought of stepping into the chilly air can make it tempting to stay put.

But these mornings are also an opportunity to lean on God’s strength and step into the day He’s prepared for us. Each time we rise despite the winter gloom, we’re not just waking up – we’re answering His call to embrace His plans, trusting that His grace is sufficient for whatever lies ahead. As the Bible reminds us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

It’s okay to feel the struggle – even Jesus sought the Father’s strength in hard moments. But when we push through, relying on His power, we find that the hardest step, getting up, can be a step of faith, setting the tone for a day filled with His presence and purpose.

In the beginning, God separated the light from the darkness. Jesus, in John 8:12 tells us: 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'

We are called to be lights in a dark world, reflecting God's nature and shining His truth for all to see. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

If God is highlighting areas in your life where you need to let go of or stop doing something, He is calling you to walk in greater light, holiness, and obedience to Him. As we read in 1 John 1:5-7:

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

The battle is real, but with the Spirit of God in us, we have the power to choose light over darkness, to walk in His ways, and to shine His truth in a world desperately in need of it.

Welcome to that busy time of year again! Somehow, despite my plans and ideas, Christmas has taken me by surprise. I have felt overwhelmed with all the Christmas chores, on top of expectations from my family and that's before I even think about end of term deadlines!

There are so many events and to do lists.

But stop!

Why do I need to feel all this pressure? It is then that I have stopped and asked myself what am I doing?

And God reminded me gently. To seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6.33). There is no need to allow the pressure in. Keep the focus on the kingdom of the King of kings. Allow His peace to reign.

I still haven't written cards, wrapped presents or even bought a tree! Yet thanks to God, I am calm. I hope you can feel His peace too midst the rushing at this time of year.

Be blessed.

Church in Caerphilly