Even In The Hard Seasons

Some seasons feel like a whirlwind. Plans unravel, hearts break, and the road ahead feels unclear. As someone who works with children, I often see how quickly little hearts notice when life gets hard. They may not have the words to name it, but they feel it deeply. And honestly? So do we.

But here’s what I’ve come to believe: God doesn’t skip over the hard parts of our stories. He steps into them.

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He never promised that following Him would be easy, but He did promise He’d never leave us to do it alone. Even in the struggle, He is steady. Even in the silence, He is near.

Whether you're a parent holding it together for your kids, a teen navigating quiet heartbreak, or someone walking through a hard unknown, you are seen. And the God who made you is still writing your story.

This fall, as the leaves change and the winds pick up, I pray you’ll feel His presence even in the rustling. I pray our church will continue to be a place where it’s safe to be honest, to walk together through joy and sorrow, and to look for glimpses of hope along the way.

You're not alone. And you are deeply loved.

Shayna Franson