Hello ,

In 1940, Great Britain stood on the brink of collapse. Bombs fell nightly, resources were thin, and fear pressed in from every side. When Winston Churchill spoke to the nation, he did not promise comfort or quick victory. He called people to endure—to stand firm long enough for strength to meet them. 

Spiritually, God often works the same way. He does not always remove the storm; instead, He reshapes the soul beneath it.

Scripture says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). 

Waiting here does not mean inactivity. It means trusting God without panic, without forcing outcomes, without abandoning faith when answers feel delayed.

James reinforces this truth when he writes, “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4). 

Trials are not signs of spiritual failure; they are often evidence that God is building something durable.

Many people approach a new year asking God to change circumstances. God often responds by changing capacity. Spiritual leveling up looks like deeper trust, quieter confidence, and steadier obedience. 

It looks like praying even when nothing feels dramatic. 

It looks like remaining anchored when emotions fluctuate.

God’s strength does not bypass weakness—it flows through surrender. As the year prepares to turn, God may not promise ease, but He promises renewal. 

Those who remain connected, who wait without quitting, discover that endurance itself becomes elevation.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word