Over the last two years, I’ve experienced an emotional rollercoaster due to many circumstances. I’ve never felt more afraid than when my wife was hospitalized during the last pregnancy. The doctors diagnosed her with preeclampsia, and it was aggressive. It struck so suddenly that it didn’t seem real. We were at an appointment, and she was fine aside from some normal pregnancy pains. Out of nowhere, her vitals shifted, and she had to stay in the hospital until our baby was born. My head was swimming to say the least, and I’m not a person to get rattled or panic, but I was not okay with this. Every day, I would drive from work, home, and the hospital with a brave face. Family and friends helped us through that difficult time for sure, but inside, I was feeling unsure. Then I remember going home one night, and I just sat on the edge of my bed, and I asked God, “How do I do this?” Afterwards, I fell asleep without realizing it. I woke up, got my kids ready for school, and I thought about what I had asked God the night before, and realized I felt no fear or worry. I asked my sons how they felt about all that was going on, and both of them gave similar answers: “I miss Mommy.” Right then and there, we looked up Jeremiah 29:11, because if we believe in God and also believe God, then we have to believe he has a plan to prosper us.

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

So how hard was it to go through all of that, and not be able to do anything but watch? Extremely. Every day until my daughter was born, and after, was difficult. It took faith, and an outpouring of prayer and love from our friends, family, and church family to get us through. I wholeheartedly believe that God allowed us to face that storm for a few reasons. First, we were not to give in to fear when situations are out of our control, but to rely on the Lord who has a plan for us. Second, it was to show us that we need our Church community to stand with us and to do this life together, because we need each other. The visits, prayers, texts, and everything were truly amazing. It was the 1st time I’d ever experienced anything like it, and I am now convinced that this is how a church should come together. To the folks who think they can live out this walk without any church community, I say you are mistaken. Hebrews 10:25 talks about this very thing. I, for one, didn’t realize how much it was needed until it was. To my Trinity Christian Center(TCC), I love you guys deeply may God continue to bless you all.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” -Hebrews 10:25-

One of the easiest ways for our faith to grow cold is through isolation. The enemy has always understood that a lone believer is far more vulnerable than one surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why Hebrews 10:25 reminds us of this. Church was never intended to be a weekly religious obligation; it is God’s design for our spiritual growth, accountability, and encouragement. When we distance ourselves from biblical community, we slowly lose the sharpening that comes from hearing God’s Word preached, praying alongside other believers, and witnessing God’s faithfulness in the lives of others. Without realizing it, our perspective becomes shaped more by our circumstances than by Scripture. Doubts grow louder, temptations become harder to resist, and discouragement begins to feel normal. God never intended for us to fight the battles of faith alone. He created the Church as a family where we bear one another’s burdens, celebrate victories together, and remind each other of the hope we have in Christ. If your spiritual fire has grown dim, perhaps the answer isn’t simply to pray more in isolation—it may be to return to the community where God has chosen to strengthen, encourage, and mature His people.

As we step into the rest of this year, my prayer is that we don’t just pursue a new version of ourselves—we pursue a deeper relationship with Christ. If you’ve found yourself drifting, disconnected, or trying to carry your faith on your own, know that God hasn’t moved. His invitation is still the same: come back. Return to His Word. Return to prayer. Return to the fellowship of believers. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation but in communion with Christ and with His Church. There is strength in the body of Christ, healing in His presence, and renewal in His promises. God Bless, and keep chasing God’s Way/ve.