This week has been hard.

Between national tragedy, family heartbreak, and some shuffling in our personal lives, I sit here tonight feeling a bit sad and worn. But instead of focusing on that, I want to end my evening with a smile. Why? Because I serve a God that isn’t surprised by life’s disappointments. He doesn’t shudder at change or cringe in the face of pain. In fact, He enters in. He embraces it and even more, He redeems it. He takes the brokenness that we often can’t see past and uses it to shape and mold who we are. And it is only through that redemptive love that hope and joy can whisper through life’s pain and heartache.

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.