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There are moments in our spiritual journey when faith feels less vibrant than it once did. Not absent — just quieter. Life’s pressures, emotional fatigue, and long seasons of responsibility can slowly dull our awareness of God’s presence. Revelation 3:1–6 (GNT) speaks directly to this experience with a message that is both honest and deeply hopeful. Jesus’ words to the church in Sardis are striking in their clarity: “Wake up, and strengthen what you still have.” These words remind us that God sees the truth of our inner life, even when we appear steady on the outside. Yet His message is not one of condemnation. It is an invitation — a call to pay attention to the parts of our faith that are still alive, even if they feel small.This passage encourages us to pause and reflect on what remains within us. What desires for God are still present? What truths have we held onto, even in difficult seasons? Sometimes spiritual renewal begins not with dramatic change, but with noticing the quiet places where God is still at work. Jesus urges His people to remember what they received and heard, because remembering anchors us in God’s faithfulness and helps us rebuild from a place of honesty.Strengthening what remains does not require perfection. It requires willingness. It means choosing to nurture the spark instead of focusing on what has faded. It means trusting that God can revive what feels weak and breathe life into what feels worn down. He does not ask us to restore ourselves alone — He meets us in the process, guiding us gently back to spiritual attentiveness.As you move through this week, consider the quiet places where your faith is still alive. Notice the small stirrings of hope, the desire to reconnect, the longing for renewal. These are signs that God is already at work within you, inviting you to wake up and strengthen what remains. And as you reflect, you might ask yourself what God is drawing your attention to and how He may be inviting you to respond in this season.

Strengthening What Still Lives in You

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Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Sometimes God leads us into unfamiliar places — not to punish us, but to protect us. Matthew 2:13–23 gives us a powerful reminder of this truth.When Joseph received the warning to flee to Egypt, it must have felt overwhelming. A newborn child. A dangerous ruler. A sudden uprooting. Yet God was fully present in every detail. His guidance was precise, His timing perfect, and His protection unshakable.This passage teaches us three life-giving truths: 1. God Protects Us in Ways We Don’t Immediately Understand Protection isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it looks like a detour, a delay, or a closed door. But God sees what we cannot see and shields us long before we realize we needed it. 2. God Often Leads Us One Step at a Time Joseph didn’t receive the full plan — he received the next step. God still leads us this way today. He gives us enough light for the moment and invites us to trust Him with the rest.3. God Uses Unfamiliar Seasons to Prepare Us for What’s Ahead Egypt wasn’t home, but it was necessary. Some seasons feel temporary or uncomfortable, yet God uses them to protect us, mature us, and position us for future purpose.<h2>A Word for Today</h2>If you’re walking through a season that feels uncertain, remember this: you are not forgotten. You are held. God is working behind the scenes, arranging protection, opening doors, and guiding your steps with care. Your story is safe in His hands. Let this passage remind you that even when life shifts unexpectedly, God’s presence remains steady and His protection remains sure.

Held in God’s Hands: Trusting God When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

<h2>Trusting God When the Path Shifts</h2><h3>When God Redirects</h3>Scripture is full of stories where God’s people were rerouted:<ul><li>Joseph didn’t go straight from dream to destiny — he went through betrayal, slavery, and prison.</li><li>Ruth didn’t return to Bethlehem with a husband — she walked into a new land with grief and uncertainty.</li><li>Paul was blocked from preaching in Asia and redirected to Macedonia (Acts 16:6–10).</li></ul>God’s redirection isn’t punishment. It’s protection, preparation, and positioning.Sometimes the shift is gentle — a nudge, a closed door, a new opportunity. Other times, it’s abrupt — a loss, a move, a complete unraveling of what you thought was secure.But in every case, the shift is sacred. Because it means God is still leading.<h3>The Pain of the Pivot</h3>Let’s be honest: Even when we trust God, the pivot hurts.It hurts to let go of what you thought was next. It hurts to release the timeline you built in your head. It hurts to admit that your faith walk now includes uncertainty.But pain doesn’t mean you’re off track. It means you’re human. And it means you’re being invited into deeper trust.<h3>What to Do When the Path Changes</h3>Here’s what to hold onto when the road curves:1. Pause, Don’t Panic God’s silence in the shift doesn’t mean absence. Take time to pray, reflect, and listen. You’re not lost — you’re being led.2. Remember the Promise The method may change, but the promise remains. God’s Word doesn’t expire when the path shifts.3. Stay Open to New Provision Sometimes the shift brings unexpected blessings. New relationships. New healing. New clarity. Don’t miss them by clinging to the old path.4. Let Go of the Timeline God is not late. He’s strategic. And His timing is always layered with grace.5. Lean Into Community You don’t have to navigate the shift alone. Let trusted voices speak life, wisdom, and encouragement.<h3>A Prayer for the Shift</h3>Lord, I don’t understand this new direction. But I trust You.I release my expectations, my timeline, and my fear. Lead me.Even when the path curves, I will follow. Because You are faithful.And Your plans are good.<h3>Practical Takeaways</h3>Journal the emotions you feel about the shift — name them, don’t shame them.Revisit old prayers and promises. What still stands? What needs to be released?Create a playlist of worship songs that anchor you in trust. Ask God to show you the purpose in the pivot — even if it’s just one small glimpse.Share your story with someone who’s also navigating change. Your testimony matters.&nbsp;<h3>Final Encouragement</h3>The path may shift, but the Shepherd never does. He’s still walking with you. Still speaking. Still working all things together for good.So take the next step. Even if it’s unfamiliar. Even if it’s slower than you hoped. Even if it’s not what you pictured.Because the God who called you is still faithful. And the shift is not the end — it’s the beginning of something more profound.

Faith in the Waiting, Part 4

waving pink ribbon symbol of breast cancer awareness on pink background with copy space

<figure id="figure-88w29gqevmgsujgjg"data-full-width><img id="88w29gqevmgsujgjg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/cVEPz27Ds9nA96HUb1J1iFEJhjtzSmxOLrYlWFuRWrDbjyL1Ynaj4wUU9IPQimcp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 100% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="100%" data-positionY="15%" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure>October marks Cancer Awareness Month—a time of reflection, education, and collective action. At First Baptist Church of Bunche Park, we recognize this season as an opportunity to uplift those impacted by cancer and to affirm the power of faith, community, and compassion.On October 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the Women’s Ministry will host a special Cancer Awareness event centered on the theme: “Every Action Counts—The Power of Sisterhood &amp; Survivorship.” This gathering is designed to honor survivors, support those currently in treatment, and remember loved ones who have passed. It is also a call to action for our church family and broader community to stand together in prayer, education, and encouragement.We are honored to welcome Rev. Cheryl Y. Coleman, PhD, ARPN, MBA, as our guest speaker. Rev. Coleman brings both professional expertise and spiritual insight, offering a message of hope and resilience that speaks directly to the heart of this mission.Why This MattersCancer affects individuals and families across all walks of life. Through awareness and support, we can be a source of strength and healing. The Women’s Ministry invites everyone—survivors, caregivers, advocates, and allies—to join us in this meaningful time of reflection and unity.Anchored in ScriptureWe hold fast to the promise found in Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV): “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”This verse reminds us that even in the face of uncertainty, we are never alone. As a church, we are committed to walking alongside those affected by cancer with compassion, prayer, and purpose.Event DetailsDate: October 19, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM Location: First Baptist Church of Bunche Park 15700 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Guest Speaker: Rev. Cheryl Y. Coleman, PhD, ARPN, MBA Hosted by: Women’s Ministry of FBCBP Senior Pastor: Rev. Benny L. Everett, III, M.Div.We invite you to attend, bring a loved one, and be part of a morning filled with encouragement, education, and spiritual connection. Together, we can make a difference—one action at a time.—The Women’s Ministry of First Baptist Church of Bunche Park

Honoring Sisterhood & Survivorship During Cancer Awareness Month

Young Black Parishioner With Bible In Hands

Waiting on the Lord ain’t always easy. Sometimes it feels long, heavy, and uncertain. But child of God, don’t let the stretch fool you—God is still working. He’s shaping you, strengthening you, and preparing you for what’s next.This season of waiting is not a punishment. It’s a process. And in that process, the Lord is teaching us how to lean on Him—not on our own strength, not on our own plans, but on His promises. He’s showing us that His grace is enough, and His power shows up best when we feel weak.Sometimes the waiting room becomes the prayer room. It’s where we learn to cry out a little louder, worship a little deeper, and trust a little harder. It’s where we stop trying to fix it ourselves and start letting God be God.The Word reminds us in Isaiah 40:31: “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.”That’s not just poetry—that’s a promise. Waiting may stretch you, but it won’t break you. It builds you. It grows you. And when God opens that door, you won’t walk through tired and defeated. You’ll walk through with power, with wisdom, and with a testimony that says, “Look at God!”If you’re in a season of waiting, know this—God hasn’t forgotten you. He’s working in the silence, building your strength, deepening your faith, and preparing you for what’s next. The stretch may be uncomfortable, but it serves a purpose. Trust God. Your blessing is on the way.

Faith in the Waiting, Part 3: Strength for the Stretch

Let’s be honest for a moment. Patience is not something that comes easily. We live in a world where everyone wants instant gratification, instant answers, instant results, instant everything. But our God does not operate on our timeline. He is neither rushed nor late. What may feel like a delay to us is often God working things out for our good.Learning to Love God’s “Wait”Have you ever prayed and it seemed like heaven was quiet? Like nothing was moving, and you wondered, “Lord, did You hear me?” Oh, but hear me today—silence is not absence. Sometimes God says, “Not yet, my child.” And that “wait” is not punishment; it’s protection.Some blessings take time. God is growing us up so that when the blessing comes, we can hold it and not drop it. Some doors look good, but they’re not the right door for you. God closes what needs closing so you won’t settle for less than His best. The waiting room is not wasted space. It’s where God builds your character. It’s where your faith muscles get stronger. Didn’t the Bible tell us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”? That means God has already marked the calendar.Patience Grows Our FaithPatience isn’t just sitting still—it’s trusting while you wait. Every time you say, “Lord, I still trust You,” even when you don’t see the answer yet, your roots go deeper. Think about a seed in the ground. You don’t see it, but it’s pushing down roots before it ever pushes up fruit. That’s what waiting does in our walk with God—it anchors us in Him so that when the blessing shows up, we can stand firm.A Word of EncouragementSo if you’re in a season of waiting right now, don’t give up. Don’t think God forgot about you. He sees you. He knows your name. He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end of your story. Hold on and trust Him. The delay is not denial. The wait is working for your good.And when the blessing comes, and it will come, you’ll be able to say, “Look at God!”

Blog

Strengthening What Still Lives in You

Held in God’s Hands: Trusting God When Life Takes an Unex...

Faith in the Waiting, Part 4

Honoring Sisterhood & Survivorship During Cancer Awarenes...

Faith in the Waiting, Part 3: Strength for the Stretch

Faith in the Waiting, Part 2: Learning Patience in God’s ...