A Sunday to Remember
Last Sunday was one for the books—a testimony-filled Sunday. It was so encouraging to hear how God has been moving in the lives of our church family. Many of you mentioned we need more moments like this, and I couldn’t agree more. Sharing stories of God’s faithfulness strengthens our faith and reminds us that He is always at work.

Today, I want to share a powerful testimony from a friend of CITC. This story is one of hope, struggle, and the undeniable hand of God.

From the Valley to Victory
This friend has been praying for direction and purpose. God brought him out of addiction and depression, but the road afterward wasn’t easy. Life felt like a maze, with closed doors and uncertainty. Sound familiar? Many of us can relate. Like the Israelites in the Old Testament, we go through cycles—trusting God wholeheartedly when things are good, but drifting when life seems manageable on our own. Then comes the humbling: challenges bring us back to Him.

My friend faced similar struggles. Jobless, homeless, and ready to move back in with his parents, he hit rock bottom. Just when he thought it couldn’t get worse, his car broke down.

Have you ever been in that place? When the hits keep coming, and you feel trampled? Maybe you’re already counting down for 2025 to end, longing for a fresh start.

God’s Faithfulness in the Storm
Here’s the beauty of our God: He meets us in the mess. My friend decided to surrender completely, crying out to God, "Lord, I need You!" And God moved. Within weeks, doors began to open. He found a place to live, secured a career-oriented job, and even saw his car repairs covered under warranty after initially being denied.

Church, this is the God we serve—the God who takes the impossible and makes it possible.

A Call to Encounter
Our faith journey isn’t about ticking boxes or following routines. It’s about relationship. It’s about encountering the Almighty God in every season—through storms and blessings alike.

Mark 2:1-12 tells the story of a paralyzed man whose friends went to extraordinary lengths to bring him to Jesus. The house was so packed they couldn’t get through the door, so they made an opening in the roof and lowered him down. Jesus, seeing their faith, forgave the man’s sins and healed him.

This story challenges us: Are we willing to do whatever it takes to encounter Jesus? Are we so desperate for His presence that we’ll tear the roof off our own routines, doubts, or fears?

Faithful Doubts
Even in that moment of healing, skeptics were present—teachers of the law who doubted Jesus’ authority. How often do we, too, live as "faithful doubters"? We sing of God’s greatness but struggle to believe He’ll move in our own lives.

Jesus’ response to the doubters is a reminder of His authority: “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

Living in Relationship
If we want to grow in faith, it starts with time spent with God. Relationship is built in the everyday moments—through prayer, worship, and simply inviting Him into our lives. Think of your closest relationships. They thrive on consistent connection. Why should our relationship with God be any different?

Here’s my challenge: Start with one thing. Prioritize time with God. Let Him guide your actions, words, and decisions.

A God Who Fights for You
Life with Christ isn’t about perfection—it’s about transformation. I’m not perfect, and I mess up all the time, but I’ve seen firsthand how a relationship with God changes everything. He took me from hopelessness to hope, from despair to purpose.

God isn’t against you. He’s with you, working through you, and fighting for you. Wherever you are in your journey, know this: A divine encounter with Him is life-changing.

So, are you ready to cut through the roof of doubt, fear, or routine to encounter the Almighty?

Let’s seek Him together—desperate, hungry, and expectant for more of Him in our lives.