What's Happening at FCC

Strength. It’s a simple word, but it means a lot of different things.

For most people, the first thing that comes to mind is physical strength. Things like having good posture, strong muscles, a regular fitness routine, or just being able to walk up the stairs without your knees making too much noise.

But another kind of strength I think about is strength in numbers. I’ve faced some tough situations in my life, and they’ve always felt harder when I felt like I was facing them alone. Just knowing that someone is with me or cheering me on makes a big difference. Even if they’re not physically standing beside me, having someone’s support and belief adds to my own strength.

This is one of the things I love most about our church family at FCC. Whenever someone, whether it’s a member, a neighbor, or even a complete stranger, is in need, people at FCC step up. I’ve seen it so many times, and it always amazes me. Not to say that other churches don’t do this, but the people of FCC really do come together to live out Christ’s love when someone is going through a hard time. Whether it’s through prayer, meals, giving someone a ride, offering a hug or a smile, making a phone call, or sending a card, help is always offered quickly and freely. It’s beautiful!

There’s also the kind of strength that comes from inside. Some people call it willpower, others might call it spirit. It’s that inner push that helps us keep going, even when things are hard. It’s faith, determination, and just the ability to hang on when life gets overwhelming.

But sometimes, even that inner strength doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve had moments where I’ve prayed and asked God to be close, to give me His strength. And sometimes, I don’t feel Him near. I don’t always know why. Maybe it’s my fear getting in the way, or maybe I’ve got expectations about how God should show up. Kind of like how the Israelites were expecting for a warrior-type Messiah who would take down the Roman Empire. Instead, God sent Jesus, whose message was quiet and gentle and focused on loving others.

Sometimes I think, "I’ve been a faithful believer for years, so if I ask God to fix something, He should." But having God in our lives doesn’t mean He’ll solve every problem the way we hope. What it does mean is that He is always with us cheering us on and ready to hold us close. He is our rock, our strength, especially when we feel like we’ve run out of our own.

This week, I want to encourage you to start your prayers with the words, "My Rock, My Strength." Say it as a reminder that you’re never alone. Your faith connects you to the greatest source of strength there is.

I first heard Take My Life by Third Day (which is Mac Powell's original band if you know who he is) when I was in high school and it still remains one of my favorites. This song is a great reminder that no matter how often we let our fear keep us from God, or how many times we expect God to fix something the way we want, He is always there, ready to welcome us and be our strength. 

Sunday Praise Song
“Jesus Friend of Sinners”  by Casting Crowns 

In His Name,
Terry Buchmann